News Highlights                                             May 29, 2020
Although our City Hall is closed to the public, our services are not.  We've created this newsletter as a one-stop shop and weekly update of coronavirus news that you may have missed.  For additional info & updates, please visit our webpage at novato.org/coronavirus .
New County Order Allowing Outdoor Dining & Retail Effective June 1

City currently accepting applications for temporary use of public right-of-way for outside dining and retail in Downtown.

Per a new Marin County Public Health Order issued on May 29, 2020, dining establishments that provided sit-down service, prior to the first sheltering order that was issued on March 16, will be allowed to offer outdoor dining options beginning on June 1.  Additionally, new curbside retail merchandise display options may also be allowed in compliance with County and City guidelines.

To help make the transition to outdoor dining and retail easier, Downtown Novato restaurants and retail establishments interested in providing or expanding outdoor service options can apply now for temporary use of public right-of-way for outside dining and retail at novato.org/outdoorbiz.

The City of Novato will process applications as they are received. Businesses interested in applying must comply with City insurance requirements, as well as City standards for outdoor merchandise display and outdoor dining and seating. Please note, dining establishments with already permitted outdoor space need not apply. However, each restaurant and retailer must create, adopt and implement a written COVID-19 Site-Specific Protection Plan.
Marin County COVID-19 Update as of May 28, 2020

Marin County Public Health continues to monitor and 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 May 28, 2020, that may be of interest to you:
Marin Confirmed Cases: 436
Marin Cases Recovered: 289
Marin Deaths: 14
Marin Persons Tested: 12,428
Marin Hospitalizations (cumulative): 52
Marin Hospitalizations (currently): 1

Support Novato's Small Business Community

The small business community could use your help! Donate now to the Novato Small Business Relief Fund to help keep local dollars local, retain local jobs and keep your favorite Novato storefronts tenanted.

Every dollar counts as we review applications and work to award grants up to $5,000 per qualified and selected local businesses. Donation period will close on Sunday, June 7, 2020.

Help the City Develop its Short-Term Rental Regulatory Program

The City is currently in the process of considering options for a short-term rental regulatory program. Short-term rentals are residential rentals of all or a portion of a home for periods of less than 30 nights, and are often advertised on websites such as Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway.

Help the City develop its short-term rental regulatory program by weighing-in on which policy decisions are important to you at novato.org/opennovato.

Ayude a la ciudad a desarrollar su programa de reglamentos para alquileres a corto plazo

La ciudad de Novato ha comenzado el proceso de consideración de opciones para un programa de reglamentos asociados con los alquileres a corto plazo. Los alquileres a corto plazo son alquileres residenciales de toda o parte de una casa por períodos de menos de 30 noches, y comunmente se anuncian en sitios web como Airbnb, VRBO y HomeAway.

Ayude a Novato a desarrollar su programa de reglamentos de alquileres a corto plazo evaluando cuales son las pólizas o normas importantes para usted en novato.org/opennovato.
#NovatoFun Loading 

Our Novato Parks & Recreation staff can't wait to share our modified summer camp offerings with you on Tuesday, June 2!

These modified camp offerings will be in compliance with the recently released summer camp best practices from Marin County Public Health. The best practices include mandated steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including protocols on social distancing, hand washing, face covering, surface cleaning and disinfecting, and other precautionary practices, procedures and policies. Participants currently registered in our summer programs will be contacted directly by our staff regarding enrollment. 

Sign up for updates at novato.org/regforfun.
County Program Offers Restaurant Meal Delivery
to Seniors
Applications are still being accepted for Marin County's Great Plates Delivered Program.

Both seniors and restaurants can benefit as this  program offers meal delivery to older residents from our local restaurants.

Marin residents may call Whistlestop at 415.456.9073 to see if they qualify.

Local restaurants interested in participating can apply online now by filling out the Great Plates Delivered Food Provider Interest Form.

Free COVID-19 Testing 
There are multiple COVID-19 testing options countywide. If you meet the local testing criteria and are unable to obtain testing through your medical provider, free and confidential testing is available in Marin. 

Search for your nearest testing location.

For more answers to important COVID-19 related testing questions including Marin Public Health's testing criteria, please visit marinhhs.org/coronavirus.

Shop Local Novato
Novato is Still Open for Business
Check out our listing of Novato businesses open & ready to serve you.
Now more than ever, local businesses need your support.
Some previously closed businesses are now offering curbside service, call ahead for pickup or delivery from the numerous businesses that are currently operating, and if you can, support your local businesses through online shopping. You could also buy a gift card from your favorite stores to use at a later date.

Books and Badges
Virtual Story Time with Novato PD
Check out Books 'n Badges with our own Novato Police Department. On Thursdays kids can listen to a police officer and police staff read a children's story out loud!  Follow @NovatoPolice  on Facebook.

Marin Humane Calendar Photo Contest
The Marin Humane Society is holding their second annual Calendar Photo Contest! To participate, submit a favorite photo of your pet and ask your family, friends and social media followers to vote for your photo. Winners will be featured in Marin Humane's 2021 calendar.
All proceeds will help provide shelter and care for the animals at Marin Humane.
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.
  • 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