Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County Announce Closures

SONOMA COUNTY, CA – The County of Sonoma and the cities of Healdsburg and Santa Rosa are scaling back on non-essential services to reduce the risk of potential community spread of the new coronavirus — COVID-19 — the three municipalities announced Monday night in a joint news release.

Effective Tuesday and continuing through April 5, many county and city facilities will close to the public as the agencies move to providing essential services. The temporary and precautionary suspensions of non-essential operations are an effort to protect county and city employees, as well as community members, by limiting person-to-person contact, according to the news release.

The city of Healdsburg is closing its City Hall, Community Center and Senior Center through April 3 at the earliest.

The three agencies said they remain committed to providing necessary and essential services for public health and safety, including: emergency law enforcement and fire services, water and wastewater treatment, emergency road repairs and transit services.

The city of Healdsburg canceled city commission meetings but went ahead with its Monday, March 16, city council meeting.

"Closure of city facilities and city council and commission meetings may be extended if necessary," the city of Healdsburg said. "All City of Healdsburg employees have taken a loyalty oath to protect the health and safety of the lives and property of Healdsburg community members. As such, all City Staff have been designated as disaster-servicer workers in emergencies and will continue to report to work as usual."

In addition to the essential services mentioned above, Healdsburg city building inspections will continue, as will public communications.

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County Parks Open But Precautions Urged

While City of Santa Rosa parks and Sonoma County Regional Parks remain open, people are reminded to use precautions if and when visiting parks. High-risk individuals should stay home, and others should avoid congregating, according to public officials.

The County and cities will continue to evaluate circumstances on an ongoing basis in consultation with the Sonoma County Public Health Officer, and in coordination with State Health officials and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, according to the news release.

Coronavirus Updates

As of Monday evening, there were six cases of coronavirus in Sonoma County.

Further updates regarding essential services, and details regarding any alternative delivery methods for other services affected by the Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and county closures, will be announced by individual municipalities as additional information is available during the service suspension.

Prior to attempting to visit an agency or service office, residents are strongly encouraged to call the agency first and visit the county's website, the city of Santa Rosa's website or the city of Healdsburg's website.

"The health and safety of the Sonoma County community remains the top priority as officials continue to monitor COVID-19," officials said.