20 Marin Schools Experience COVID Outbreaks: Report

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Approximately 20 Marin schools are experiencing outbreaks linked to the hyper-contagious Omicron BA.2 subvariant, The Marin Independent Journal reports.

Marin has seen an uptick in cases, with reported infections tripling in less than two months since hitting a March lull.

Marin’s seven-day average on May 8 was 80, a more than threefold increase since March 21, when Marin averaged 23 cases, according to data compiled by The New York Times.

Hospitalizations and deaths remain low in one of America’s most vaccinated communities.
As of Monday, Marin reported 11 hospitalizations, with one patient being treated in an ICU.

Marin Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis attributes the new wave of outbreaks to a combination of an aggressive virus and a public that’s starting to let up its guard.

“We are seeing increased virus activity countywide,” Willis told The IJ.

“The current surge in cases is related to our behavior, and the behavior of the virus.”

Willis told the outlet that many are attending gatherings such as proms and parties where mask wearing is less common.

“As in the past, our investigations are showing that cases among students are generally infected outside of school,” he said.

Administrators countywide are asking students to be cautious, with some recommending but not requiring facial coverings in classrooms, the report said.

At least one district is distributing at-home tests to those exposed, according to the report.

Read more in The Marin Independent Journal