Sixth Coronavirus Death Reported In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — A sixth Marin County resident has died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, county health officials reported Wednesday.

There are now 108 confirmed coronavirus cases in the county. Of the people who have tested positive, 15 have been hospitalized due to the virus.

Although only one more case was confirmed Wednesday, Dr. Lisa Santora, the county's deputy health officer, said it isn't because the community has flattened the curve.

"I do not believe this is because we are flattening the curve, but rather, we have not optimized testing," Santora said.

Marin has tested 774 people for COVID-19 at the county's drive-thru testing site. This number doesn't include tests conducted by hospitals and medical facilities.

"When the epidemic began, we had significant testing limitations," Santora said. "With more testing available, we are encouraging residents with mild symptoms of respiratory illness to consult their health care provider and determine if they should be tested for COVID-19. Research is showing that people with mild cases may be fueling this epidemic. People may be most infectious during the first days of developing symptoms.

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Earlier this week, Marin – along with Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, as well as the city of Berkeley – extended the stay-at-home order through May 3. The initial three-week order was set to expire on April 7.

Public health officials determined that more and stricter social distancing is needed to slow the spread of coronavirus, prevent deaths and stop the health care system from becoming overwhelmed, according to a unified statement.

"Our best strategy to protect our community and save lives is staying in place and maintaining space," Santora said. "The new public health order is more restrictive."

Santora reminded residents that individuals must maintain 6 feet of distance from people who are not immediate family members. Essential businesses that remain open must post and implement social distancing protocols. Recreational areas such as playgrounds, dog parks, and basketball and tennis courts, must be closed to the public.

"As a mother of two elementary school children, I know these restrictions are hard on everyone," Santora said. "But our behavior is one way we have control over slowing the spread of disease. Thank you, again, for working together with us to flatten the curve."

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