Coronavirus: Sonoma County Recommends Canceling Large Events

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Large indoor events for 50 or more people for certain members of the community should be canceled or postponed to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, Sonoma County's public health officer advised Wednesday. The recommendation, which became effective Wednesday and is for the next two weeks, was made in an abundance of caution, according to a news release from the county.

The recommendation applies to events or gatherings for people older than 60 and those with chronic medical conditions; both groups are at a higher risk for severe illness than the general public.

"During a public health emergency, our number one priority is to keep the public safe," Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair Susan Gorin said. "Since attendees at large indoor events are often in close proximity to others, they are at a higher risk of getting ill. We can’t risk the spread of the coronavirus in our community, so we are asking event organizers to cancel or postpone their indoor events until a later date."

Some nonessential events may need to be modified —for example, conducted as a video webinar — canceled or postponed, the county said.

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In two weeks, the recommendation may be re-evaluated and could be reinstated based on the ongoing need for public safety.

The risk for contracting the virus at outdoor events is low, though staying 6 feet or more away from others is still recommended, according to county health officials.

"County staff are also working with cities, schools and other organizations to educate residents in the simple, effective actions they can keep them healthy and prevent the spread of the virus," Sonoma County Interim Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase said.

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For those who choose to hold events, the county recommends following the California Department of Public Health's March 7 guidelines for mass gatherings.

If indoor events are not canceled, organizers are advised to consider:

• Promotion of preventive health practices, such as hand-washing, to attendees and staff.
• Recommend minimizing close contact and touching, such as no hand shaking or hugging.
• In event invitations or marketing, discourage people who are sick from attending.

More information about the coronavirus and preventative measures is posted at Socoemergency.org. Residents can also call 211 or text their ZIP code to 898-211.

The novel coronavirus — COVID-19 — was declared a pandemic Wednesday by the World Health Organization, or WHO.

And Wednesday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump put a 30-day ban on travel from Europe, the U.K. being the only exception.

In Sonoma County, there are currently three residents being treated for coronavirus in isolation at local hospitals. The county says investigators traced the patients' exposure to the virus to international travel on cruise ships.

The county asks residents who feel sick to quickly report their symptoms to their medical provider, and to stay away from others — which may include staying home from work or school. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — CDC — current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.