Coronavirus In Petaluma: 23 Cases In South County

PETALUMA, CA — There were 23 confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the South Sonoma County area that encompasses the city of Petaluma and the community of Penngrove, according to latest information from Sonoma County public health officials.

The number of cases in South County makes up 13 percent of the total number confirmed cases in Sonoma County, which was 182 as of 6:45 p.m. Monday, with 93 of those cases active. There was one new case reported Sunday in the county and one new case reported Monday.

In Central County — Cotati, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa— there were 108 cases, or 59 percent.

In North County — Windsor and Healdsburg, north to Cloverdale — there were 20 cases, or 11 percent.

In East County — Glen Ellen, Kenwood and Sonoma — there were 16 cases, or 9 percent.

And in West County — Guerneville and Sebastopol — there were 15 cases, or 8 percent.

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in the county remains at 2.

Petaluma Police Chief Ken Savano Addresses Face Coverings, Donations

Facial coverings became mandatory Friday under the newest public health order enacted in Sonoma County. The order states: All persons shall wear facial coverings before they enter any indoor facility besides their residence, any enclosed open space, or while outdoors when the person is unable to maintain a six-foot distance from another person at all times.

In a message Friday to the community, Petaluma Police Chief Ken Savano congratulated the community for following the shelter-at-home order, as well as other public health orders issued in Sonoma County and the state.

"We want to congratulate you and our community for following the health officer orders and for doing what you can to prevent the spread," Savano said. "As a member of the city leadership team, I speak for all of us when I say we are extremely proud of how kind and generous Petalumans have been looking out for us and each other, especially our most vulnerable and at-risk populations."

The chief thanked the community for being an encouragement to officers and police personnel both out on the street and at the station. He said many have dropped off donations and food at the station, and asked the community to consider doing something different to honor the force.

"We recognize many in our community are struggling to make ends meet and have a much greater need for food, shelter or other basic services," Savano said. "If you feel the need to support public safety, my staff and I would be honored if you would please consider showing your support to a local service provider like Petaluma People Services in our name. There are many great organizations in our community and we encourage you to find one that aligns with those in need here in Petaluma."

Regarding the new order about face coverings, Savano said public health officials including Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase, know that face-covering mitigation works.

"... I expect everyone to follow the order when you leave your home to engage in essential activities," Savano said. "As a reminder, facial coverings should not be placed on children under age 2 or on anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance."

Further, Savano said, essential businesses "have absolutely every right to expect community members to be wearing a face covering if they want to enter your premises.

"You have the authority, and in this case the public health responsibility to yourself, your employees, and your customers to respectfully decline service to anyone not complying with the face covering order. My staff and I will support your decision and we will use enforcement options with anyone in disagreement or causing a disturbance over this issue."

"Thank you Petaluma! I remain humbled and grateful for the compliance and support you have shown my staff and Dr. Mase as we continue to stop the spread of COVID19!"

• More about coronavirus in Petaluma and Sonoma County is posted here.