Sonoma County issues mask order for some health facilities

## What happened The Sonoma County Health Officer issued a mask order for specified health care facilities. The order applies to the facilities identified by the Health Officer.

The Health Officer also encouraged Sonoma County residents to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19.

## What residents should know The action combines a requirement for masking in certain health care settings with a public health recommendation for vaccination. The notice does not describe the order as applying to all locations or all residents.

Residents seeking care should check with the facility about the masking rules that apply there. People considering flu or COVID-19 vaccination should consult a health care provider or other vaccination provider.

## Public health measures Masking in designated health care facilities is the required part of the Health Officer’s action. Vaccination against flu and COVID-19 is the recommended preventive step highlighted in the notice.

The order and vaccination encouragement address respiratory illness in health care settings and the broader community. The notice identifies the Health Officer as the official issuing the order and making the vaccination recommendation.