Sonoma County Shelter-in-Place Order Takes Effect: Coronavirus

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Sonoma County joined at least seven other Bay Area counties in the implementation of a shelter-in-place order for its residents in an effort to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19. Sonoma County Interim Public Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase issued the shelter-in-place health order, which went into effect at midnight Wednesday and is expected to continue for three weeks, until April 7.

"In light of the recent cases of local transmission of COVID-19 in the County, we are taking proactive action to curtail the spread of the virus," Mase said.

According to the county's Coronavirus webpage, there have been four confirmed cases of community spread of COVID-19 in Sonoma County since Saturday. The previously reported cases were travel-related and involved passengers on the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess cruise ships.

The shelter-in-place health order states: "All individuals currently living within the County are ordered to shelter at their homes. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence."

Under the health order, Sonoma County residents are only permitted to leave their residence for the most basic and essential needs — guidance the county says came after substantial input from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health and from international health experts.

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The health order calls for social distancing, which the county says is scientifically-proven to be one of the most effective methods to slow the transmission of a communicable disease, such as COVID-19.

"We urge our residents not to panic, however, please take this Order seriously, as COVID-19 is a real threat to our community at this time," Mase said. "Please adhere to the social distancing of six feet from another person as well as continue to maintain good hygiene practices."

"... Anyone who violates any provision of the order constitutes an imminent threat to public health and will be enforced by law enforcement," county officials state in the order.

Sonoma County Coronavirus Health Order

Here are the specifics of the health order as defined in a news release from Sonoma County Public Affairs:

"This also comes in response to the significant and increasing number of suspected cases of community transmission and likely further significant increases in transmission. The order defines essential activities as necessary for the health and safety for individuals and their families.
"Essential businesses are those that provide food, shelter, social services and homeless services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals; fresh and non-perishable food retailers (including convenience stores); pharmacies; child care facilities; gas stations; banks; laundry businesses and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of a residence.
"Health care operations are also essential businesses and include hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, licensed cannabis businesses, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home health care services providers, mental health providers, or any related and/or ancillary health care services.
"Health care operations also includes veterinary care and all health care services provided to animals. This does not include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities. Licensed cannabis retail facilities/dispensaries shall operate only for the purpose of providing medical cannabis, and only via curbside pickup or delivery.
"Essential businesses also include: agriculture, food, and beverage cultivation, processing, and distribution, including but not limited to, farming, ranching, fishing, dairies, creameries, wineries and breweries in order to preserve inventory and production (not for retail business);
"In addition, health care, law and safety, and essential government functions will continue under the recommended action.
"Campgrounds, hotels and motels are considered shelters and therefore an essential service and will remain open.
"The goal is to limit groups congregating together in a way that could further spread the coronavirus.
"This Order comes days after Governor Gavin Newsom ordered adults, age 65 and older, to remain at home.
"The violation of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat to public health and will be enforced by law enforcement.
"The Health Officer will continue to assess the quickly evolving situation and may modify or extend this Order, or issue additional Orders, related to COVID-19."
"Official information on the coronavirus can be found at SoCoEmergency.org. For additional questions, call 2-1-1 to reach the 2-1-1 Sonoma Information & Resource Hotline."

Coronavirus In The Bay Area

County officials say the shelter-in-place health order was implemented in response to six cases of COVID-19 here in Sonoma County, as well as at least 258 confirmed cases and at least three deaths in the seven Bay Area jurisdictions who also jointly issued similar health orders Monday.

Shelter-in-place orders went into effect just 24 hours earlier — at midnight Tuesday — in the counties of Marin, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda, Santa Cruz and San Mateo, and in the cities of Berkeley and Oakland.

A shelter-in-place order has not been called for Napa County; however, a new health order was issued Tuesday afternoon by Napa County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Relucio that prohibits public or private gatherings of 50 or more people except as necessary to perform essential government functions.

The Bay Area accounts for more than half of the confirmed cases across the state of California.

As of Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., officials confirmed the following number of cases in the greater Bay Area region:

• Alameda County: 18 cases
• Contra Costa County: 34 cases
• Marin County: 11 cases
• Monterey County: 0 cases
• Napa County: 0 cases
• San Francisco County: 40 cases
• San Mateo County: 64 cases, 1 death
• Santa Clara County: 138 cases, 4 deaths
• Santa Cruz County: 9 cases
• Solano County: 9 cases
• Sonoma County: 6 cases
• Statewide: 392 cases, 6 deaths

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Bay City News Service contributed to this report.