News Highlights                                             June 26, 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 .

Marin County Allows Next Phase of Business Reopenings and Activities on June 29

Marin County Health and Human Services has released new guidance for the following businesses to reopen next week on June 29:
  • Gyms and fitness studios
  • Hair salons and barber shops
  • Nail salons
  • Hotels and short-term lodging facilities
  • Indoor seating at restaurants
Guidelines for reopening are available at marinrecovers.com.

Marin County COVID-19 Update as of June 25, 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 June 25, 2020, that may be of interest to you:
Marin Confirmed Cases: 1,068
 Marin Cases Recovered: 713
Marin Deaths: 18
 Tests Completed in Marin: 26,690
 Marin Hospitalizations (cumulative): 59
Marin Hospitalizations (currently): 12
Novato Minimum Wage Increase Effective July 1, 2020
Starting July 1, 2020, the minimum wage within Novato city limits will increase based on business size to:
  • $13 per hour for small businesses with 1-25 employees;
  • $14 per hour for large businesses with 26-99 employees; and 
  • $15 per hour for very large businesses with 100 or more employees.
This local minimum wage increase is part of a phased approach that allows all employees in Novato to reach a $15 minimum wage one year earlier than what the State of California law requires.

Hamilton Pool Closed for Summer 2020

The cities of Novato and San Rafael, who maintain and operate Novato's Hamilton Pool through a Mutual Services Agreement, have made the difficult decision to keep the Hamilton Pool closed for the Summer 2020 season.


"Social Bubbles" Allow Safe Small Group Gatherings

Marin Public Health is implementing the "Social Bubble" model to help guide residents on how to safely socialize with a small group of friends and families outside of a person's immediate household. 

A social bubble is a stable group of 12 people or less who have collectively agreed to limit their in-person social activities to only each other for at least three weeks.
Novato Parks & Recreation Summer Programs: In-person, Virtual & To Go Kits 

Register today for Novato Parks & Recreation's summer programs! Next session of in-person camps begin on July 6, and spaces are filling up quickly!

This year, we're also offering virtual camps and programs, as well as camp to go kits for those who prefer #NovatFUNatHome!

Novato Creeks Due for Sediment Removal

Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District will be working to clear sediment in three Novato creeks beginning in early July through the end of October. 

The targeted locations for this project include the lower reaches of Novato, Warner and Arroyo Avichi creeks from Diable Avenue near downtown Novato to downstream of the railroad tracks off Rowland Way. Approximately 1.5 miles of creeks will have sediment removed. This work will help reduce flooding during the rainy season by improving creek capacity.

Novato Fire Protection District: Fireworks Illegal in Marin
In the midst of wildfire season, and with the 4th of July around the corner, it's important to remember that all fireworks are illegal in Marin.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe!

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