Sonoma County Extends Shelter-In-Place Order: Coronavirus
SONOMA COUNTY, CA - The Sonoma County shelter-in-place order adopted March 18 was extended and revised Tuesday by the county's health officer until May 3. Under the order which is meant to slow to spread of the new coronavirus, all current residents of Sonoma County must shelter in place at their homes. If residents leave their homes for essential reasons permitted under the order, such as grocery shopping, they must socially distance themselves from others by at least 6 feet.
The Sonoma County health order has been revised to implement the statewide stay-at-home order in a way that is localized to Sonoma County, county officials said in a news release. The new order adds to the list of activities people may undertake outside their home, such as to attend a funeral or to move and clarifies guidance from the previous order.
"This extension and new requirements align Sonoma County with the vital precautions being taken throughout the state and region to slow the spread of COVID-19," Sonoma County Public Health Officer, Dr. Sundari Mase, said. "Staying safely at home and physical distancing are scientifically-proven to be the most effective methods to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and keep our communities healthy."
READ: Sonoma County Public Health Order Effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, April 1
As of Tuesday evening, Sonoma County had 71 active cases of COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 85. Of those 85 cases, one person has died and 13 patients have recovered from the illness.
These cases have been linked to person-to-person, community transmission, and infection during international travel.
"We will continue to assess the safety needs of the community and may modify or extend the Order, or issue additional Orders," Mase said. "Residents need to understand that violation of any provision of this order is a threat to public health and will be enforced. We’re asking all residents to do their part to stay home, continue physical distancing, and practice good hygiene in order to curtail the spread of the virus."
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County officials say the new health order emphasizes the importance of: social distancing, washing hands, avoiding touching the face, covering coughs and sneezes, and regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.
Under the order, all essential businesses must now develop, post and implement a detailed Social Distancing and Hygiene Protocol by 11:59 p.m. Thursday.
"While many businesses and retailers should be commended for complying with the social distancing requirements in the order, many have not taken it seriously enough," Mase said. "I cannot overemphasize the importance of these measures in keeping our community safe. If a business is in the essential category, it must comply or it risk being closed down."
Essential, Non-Essential Businesses
The updated Sonoma County health order clarifies that wineries, breweries and other food and beverage, cultivation and licensed cannabis businesses can take retail orders on line or over the phone for curb-side pickup and delivery.
Short-Term Rentals
The updated Sonoma County order also prohibits short-term occupancy, except for COVID-19 related distancing and quarantine purposes and only to Sonoma County residents. People from outside Sonoma County who are traveling to the county for essential business, infrastructure, healthcare, or government can also obtain short-term housing.
"I am concerned that some individuals are still offering units to tourists," Mase said. "As the other Bay Area counties extend their shelter in place orders, it will be especially important for Sonoma County to avoid becoming the destination of choice for a getaway. The provision in the new Order allows us to step up enforcement."
Complete information about the newest Sonoma County Public Health Order, such as essential businesses, available county services, or updates on coronavirus cases and the public health emergency are posted at SoCoEmergency.org. Residents can also call 211 or text their ZIP code to 898-211 to communicate via text message with a 211 operator.
This article originally appeared on the Healdsburg Patch
