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Updated Return to Work Guidelines for Healthcare Personnel with Contagious Illness
This month, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued updated guidance on work exclusions for healthcare personnel (HCP) with contagious illness. This guidance applies to HCPs with COVID-19, influenza, and other acute respiratory viral infections, regardless of diagnostic testing results. Healthcare personnel are not to return to work until at least 3 days have passed since symptom onset and at least 24 hours have passed with no fever (without using fever-reducing medicines), symptoms are improving, and they feel well enough to return. Returning healthcare personnel should wear masks when they return to work.
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Winter Respiratory Virus Season
Flu and other respiratory viruses, including human metapneumovirus, are surging in Marin County. Marin County Public Health strongly recommends that healthcare and residential care facilities adopt masking policies. All healthcare and long-term care facility staff and visitors should wear high-quality, well-fitted masks when in close contact (less than 6 feet) with patients and residents. Staff and visitors should also stay up to date with vaccines, stay home when sick, and wash hands often.
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Bird Flu Update
H5 bird flu is still widespread in wild birds and continues to infect California poultry and dairy cows. There are now 67 confirmed human cases nationwide, primarily among dairy and poultry workers, and one death. It is suspected that H5N1 may be underdiagnosed, especially in California, where 536 dairy herds are experiencing outbreaks and remain under quarantine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised hospitals, laboratories, and clinicians to test and subtype for non-seasonal flu to enhance disease surveillance. While the H5N1 avian influenza remains a low risk to the public, enhanced surveillance is needed to monitor for potential human-to-human transmission. If you see symptoms consistent with bird flu, including fever and conjunctivitis, after contact with animals (e.g., backyard flocks) or consumption of raw milk products, contact Marin County Public Health to coordinate testing (415-473-4163).
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Suicide Prevention
 Never a Bother is California’s youth suicide prevention campaign designed with, for, and by youth and their caregivers. Register on Zoom to join the CDPH Office of Suicide Prevention on February 5, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:30 pm, for a webinar sharing key learnings about the campaign. Marin’s healthcare providers can also join the Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative. Register here to participate in the next Collaborative meeting, "Finding Hope in Marin County: A Data Presentation," on Wednesday, March 5th, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. For facts, how to support and receive support, visit: https://prevention.marinbhrs.org/suicide-prevention.
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Proposition 1 Update: Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA)
Proposition 1, which was passed in 2022, expanded funding for mental health and substance use services in California, focusing on accessibility, equity, and prevention to address the growing behavioral health crisis statewide. Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) is now seeking input for the BHSA three-year integrated plan for FY26/27 – FY28/29. The plan must fund three areas: Housing (30%), Full-Service Partnerships (35%), and Behavioral Health Services & Supports (35%). Please complete this survey to provide your input.
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Southern California Wildfire Update
The Eaton, Hughes, and Palisades fires burned thousands of acres, destroyed structures, and displaced thousands of families. While we support our Southern California neighbors, Marin County residents should take the opportunity to review their wildfire preparedness and readiness efforts. A good first step is visiting Fire Safe Marin and learning how to review your homeowner and business insurance. Subscribe to Fire Safe Marin’s monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed.
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Message from the Health Officer
 This week, the rise in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal operations hits close to home for me. As a descendant of both documented and undocumented immigrants—who worked both “legally and illegally” to support their families—and the wife of a refugee, I deeply understand the sacrifices that allow my family the privilege to live, work, and attend school in Marin. Most immigrants in our country have faced unimaginable challenges to create a better life for their loved ones. They and their children, who are citizens, make valuable contributions to our communities. Our local economy depends on an undocumented workforce in essential industries like agriculture, caregiving, construction, and hospitality. While we await a fair immigration system that balances security, offers a pathway to citizenship, and meets the needs of immigrants and the labor market, I hope our community will support a compassionate approach that ensures undocumented residents have access to essential services, legal aid, and economic opportunities. I am thankful for partners like Canal Alliance for helping immigrants and their families “achieve their dreams.”
Stay strong and kind,
Lisa M. Santora, MD, MPH
Health Officer
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