Indoor restaurant dining halts due to COVID-19 in N. California county

Marin County in U.S. state of California is banning restaurant indoor dining for at least three weeks due to surging COVID-19 cases, the county health officials said on Sunday.

Indoor dining will not be allowed for a minimum of three weeks in Marin County, effective 11:59 p.m. Sunday, the statement said.

The mandatory closure comes only one week after restaurants were allowed to offer inside seating for the first time since March.

Outdoor seating and take-out service remain allowed at restaurants as long as public health precautions are taken. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is forming strike teams to help patrol restaurants and other businesses that refuse to comply with COVID-19 safety measures, according to the statement.

On July 2, Marin was added to the list of California counties that were being closely monitored for increased COVID-19 activity. Three consecutive days of statistical unimprovement meant the CDPH could shut down a segment of the economy or instigate a new virus containment strategy.

Marin County Public Health urged renewed diligence by residents on adhering to the shelter-in-place order first established March 17. "Wearing facial coverings in public, washing hands often, adhering to social bubble guidelines, and practicing social distancing are among practices that will help curtail the coronavirus outbreak and lead to more openings in economic sectors," county officials said in the statement.