Marin Suspends Indoor Dining As Coronavirus Cases Rise

MARIN COUNTY, CA — One week after Marin County began to allow indoor dining to resume at local restaurants, health officials said Sunday they are reversing course, ordering restaurants to close for dine-in service as coronavirus cases continue to surge.

Starting 11:59 p.m. Sunday, indoor dining will be suspended for at least three weeks, the county health department said.

Health officials issued the new order as COVID-19 cases have continued to rise two days after the state added Marin to its "watch list" of counties seeing elevated virus activity, as measured by confirmed cases, hospitalizations and new outbreaks.

Marin officials had warned Friday that some other counties on the state's watch list have been ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Department of Health to close some indoor operations, including indoor dining, which was allowed to resume June 29.

"Three consecutive days of statistical unimprovement meant the [state Department of Public Health] could shut down a segment of the economy or instigate a new virus containment strategy," Marin officials said in a news release.

Outdoor seating and takeout are still allowed at local restaurants, as long as they follow the county's list of health protocols.

The county warned that the state is forming strike teams that will patrol restaurants and other businesses failing to comply with virus safety measures.

Again on Sunday, Marin County Public Health officials asked the public to continue wearing facial coverings in public, wash hands often and maintain social distancing.

Related coverage: Coronavirus Surge Gets Marin County Added To State's Watch list; Marin Prepares To Reopen Gyms, Salons And Restaurants

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