Sonoma County issues mask order for health facilities and encourages residents to get vaccinated for flu and COVID

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Given the greater risk of COVID, flu and other respiratory virus-related illnesses over the fall and winter months, Sonoma County Interim Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith issued an order today requiring health care personnel and others to wear masks inside patient care areas of specified health care facilities. The health order, designed to protect the most vulnerable populations, will take effect Nov. 1 and last through March 31, 2026.  

The following health care facilities in Sonoma County are subject to the order:  

• skilled nursing facilities  
• portions of long-term care facilities where nursing care is provided  
• acute and non-acute rehabilitation facilities  
• infusion centers  
• dialysis centers  

Health care personnel and non-patients — such as visitors and other members of the public who are accompanying patients — must wear masks in patient care areas of these facilities. These areas include registration desks in lobbies, waiting rooms, examination rooms, therapy rooms and other areas where patients and health care providers interact.  

“The risk to vulnerable patients of COVID, flu and other respiratory viruses in health care facilities remains significant, so it continues to be important for face masks to be used in patient care areas when seasonal risk of exposure to one or more viruses is high,” Dr. Smith said.  

Since 2017, the Sonoma County Health Officer has issued an order requiring specified health care personnel to wear face masks during the respiratory virus season. While this year’s order covers fewer facilities than past years, all health care facilities are strongly recommended to encourage the use of face masks throughout the respiratory virus season, regardless of vaccination status. 

Dr. Smith also issued guidance today for the general public, strongly recommending that everyone 6 months of age and older get current COVID-19 and flu vaccines, and RSV vaccines if they are eligible. She also recommends that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people wear masks in public indoor settings when the COVID or influenza risk in Sonoma County is high.  

“In California, vaccines remain covered by insurance for residents of all ages — and they remain the best protection we have against respiratory virus infections,” she said.  

Dr. Smith issued today’s masking order because patients and residents in the specified health care facilities are at greater risk for respiratory virus-related hospitalizations and death. Workers in health care facilities are also at risk for respiratory illness and can transmit the viruses to their clients, patients and coworkers. Moreover, respiratory virus-related illness in health care workers can cause absenteeism, placing strain on limited health care resources.  

Unlike in previous years, today’s order will apply annually unless rescinded. The full text and details of the health order can be found here.  

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Media Contact:
Sheri Cardo, Communications Specialist
Sonoma County Department of Health Services
sheri.cardo@sonomacounty.gov
(707) 565-8619