Marin County Revises Restrictions On Childcare, Youth Programs

MARIN COUNTY, CA – As the new school year begins, the county has issued new public health guidelines for childcare and youth programs in Marin County amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the county, the new guidelines were modeled after the state's guidance and designed to accommodate more flexibility for fall programming. The Marin-specific guidance, which goes into effect Monday, apply to youth sports, such as basketball, football, dance and gymnastics, among other youth athletic activities.

Some of the revised guidelines include:

• cohort group size is increased from 12 to 15 people
• youth can participate in up to two programs simultaneously
• programs are not limited to a minimum number of days per week, but programs still must be a minimum of three weeks
• athletic programs must take place outdoors only and participants must stay 6 feet apart

"We're glad to be able to ease some of the restrictions for our youth programs this fall," said Dr. Matt Willis, the county's public health officer.

"We appreciate the importance of group activities and exercise for our children both physically and socially but at the same time, we have to take measured precautions to reopen safely for our entire community. We also know that childcare and youth programs will take on a new meaning this fall with schools starting back in a virtual environment."

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Outdoor and indoor assemblies, sporting events and other activities that require close contact or that promote congregating are not allowed, according to the county. This includes events, competitions and tournaments, regardless of whether teams are from the same school or from different schools, counties or states.

Sports that cannot be played with sufficient physical distancing and cohorting are not allowed, according to the county. For those sports, individual skill building is permitted outdoors, including body weight resistance training, conditioning, running drills and training.

The county strongly encourages face coverings for children 2 years old through second grade. Face coverings are required for children in third grade through high school, but may be removed for meals, snacks, naptime or outdoor recreation.

Indoor youth athletic programs are currently not allowed in the county. The state issued guidance indicating that indoor youth sports are only permitted in counties where indoor gyms are open. Counties on the state's watchlist, which includes Marin, cannot open indoor gyms.

Also see:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
• Coronavirus In Marin County: Latest News
• Some Personal Service Businesses Can Reopen Outdoors In Marin
• Marin Partners With Bay Area Company For Coronavirus Testing
• Marin County Ends Ban On Reusable Bags Amid Coronavirus Pandemic