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Sonoma County has reinstated a mask mandate for specific health care facilities as a precaution against a potential winter "quad-demic." The mandate, effective from November 1 to March 31, 2026, requires staff and visitors in facilities such as skilled nursing homes, dialysis centers, and certain long-term care areas to wear face coverings. This decision aims to protect vulnerable populations, including seniors and immunocompromised individuals, from COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory viruses.
Dr. Karen Smith, Sonoma County's interim health officer, emphasized the importance of masks in patient care areas due to the significant risk of virus transmission in these settings. She noted that while COVID-19 cases have recently decreased to moderate levels, the county anticipates a winter wave. The county's health department has also urged all residents aged six months and older to stay updated on their COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccinations.
The mask mandate is less restrictive than previous orders, focusing only on high-risk areas within health care facilities. Dr. Smith explained that this targeted approach is based on current data and consultations with local health care leaders. The county has a history of implementing similar health orders during flu seasons since 2017.
Despite the mandate, there is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of masks. While some experts argue that masks help prevent infections, others cite studies suggesting minimal impact on COVID-19 infection rates. Nevertheless, the county continues to recommend mask use in public indoor settings when the risk of respiratory viruses is high.