News Highlights                                              July 31, 2020
Our Town Novato  newsletter is a weekly update of news that you may have missed throughout the week. 
City of Novato COVID-19 updates and information is available at novato.org/coronavirus.
Resources and information for Novato businesses & workers impacted by COVID-19 is available at novato.org/COVID19biz .
Novato City Council Acts to Place Local Hotel Funding Measure on November Ballot to Address Local Relief & Recovery Needs

In November, Novato voters will decide whether to raise taxes paid by hotel and lodging guests when staying at local lodging facilities. If enacted, the measure would update the City's current Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), also known as "hotel tax", rate by 2%. 

This tax, applied directly to a visitor's lodging bill, would only apply to occupants of hotels, inn, motels, vacation home rentals or other short-term loading facilities for stays of 30 days or less. The proposed measure would NOT raise taxes on Novato residents or their property. 

Marin County COVID-19 Update as of July 30, 2020
Marin County Public Health continues to monitor a nd report confirmed COVID-19 cases countywide on their dedicated coronavirus website at marinhss.org/coronavirus . Here you will find accurate, up-to-date information with a focus on how it is impacting our local communities.
Here are some data points,  as of July 30, 2020, that may be of interest to you:
Marin Confirmed Cases: 2,763
 Marin Cases Recovered: 2,380
Marin Deaths: 45
 Tests Completed in Marin: 49,081
 Marin Hospitalizations (cumulative): 104
Marin Hospitalizations (currently): 19
Countywide Eviction Moratorium Extended through September 30

The Marin County Board of Supervisors has extended a countywide residential eviction moratorium because of the widespread economic hardship being experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. 





Marin Public Health Finds Partner for COVID-19 Tracing

A new partnership between the County of Marin and Dominican University of California starts in the upcoming fall semester with the new offering of a public health contact tracing course.

Students will work remotely with Marin County Public Health professionals to be trained in the rules of contact tracing and technical expertise in public health software. 

Food Resources Available for Vulnerable Populations

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Marin Public Health wants to remind those in need that access to healthy food is available through several resources.

Residents can search for their nearest food pantry or emergency food distribution location using the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank's Food Locator App. 

Information on food resources for older adults and persons with disabilities is available by calling (415) 473-INFO or emailing 473Info@marincounty.org.

County Transitions its Information and Assistance Line

The County of Marin Aging and Adult Services' Information and Assistance (I&A) phone line has changed to (415) 473 - INFO (4636). Calls are answered Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The I&A email address has also been changed to 473INFO@marincounty.org.

The I&A is available to older adults, adults with disabilities, and their family caregivers to provide information and referrals to a full range of services available in the community.
State Route 37 Overnight Westbound Lane Closures
From Monday, July 27 through mid-August, Caltrans is closing westbound lanes on State Route 37 to conduct an Environmental Investigation. This closure spans from the US101/SR37 Interchange to Petaluma River Bridge starting at 8pm nightly. 

During this time, please use alternate routes. Drivers should expect overnight delays and #BeWorkZoneAlert by reducing speed and adhering to all traffic control measures.




Virtual Job Fair
August 4, 2020
10am-1pm
Attention job seekers! 

Workforce Alliance of the North Bay is holding a Virtual Job Fair on August 4 from 10am-1pm. 

Employers will present current opportunities, tips to get hired and how to apply for jobs. FREE to attend, but space is limited.

Stay Healthy Novato
The best way to reduce the risk of becoming infected with a respiratory virus, whether the flu or coronavirus, is to practice good hygiene:
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Wear a face covering when out in public spaces.
  • Maintain 6 feet distance from those outside of your own household.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or crook of your elbow (not your hands). If you use a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands afterward.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Connect With Us!
City of Novato
novato.org
415.899.8900