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Mike DeWald (@mike_dewald)
In a move that was becoming increasingly foreshadowed, Sonoma County officially extended its shelter in place order Tuesday through the month of April. The order is now currently set to expire on May 3rd, also now includes clarifications on essential businesses, vacation rentals, and business health protocols. The move comes as other Bay Area counties also moved to extend their respective orders.
“This extension and new requirements align Sonoma County with the vital precautions being taken throughout the state and region to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Sonoma County Public Health Officer, Dr. Sundari Mase said in a statement released late Tuesday evening, “Staying safely at home and physical distancing are scientifically-proven to be the most effective methods to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and keep our communities healthy.”
As of Tuesday night, Sonoma County reported 71 active cases and 85 total cumulative cases, with 13 recoveries. The demographics of those impacted by positive COVID-19 tests have been surprisingly even, with a relatively even split between age, gender, and locality within the county. According to county data, 17 cases have required hospitalization.
“We need to keep doing what we’re already doing, and in fact, we need to double down.” said Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins in a statement posted to social media, “Our public health officer is requiring that businesses step up social distancing protocols to ensure that it is safe for community members to obtain essential supplies and conduct essential activities during the shelter-in-place order.”
The order clarifies that short-term lodging facilities, including vacation rentals and time shares, can only be used to the extent that they provide housing for the homeless, residents displaced from their residence, residents needing to self-isolate, or to support the work of health care works.
“We will continue to assess the safety needs of the community and may modify or extend the Order, or issue additional Orders,” Mase said, “Residents need to understand that violation of any provision of this order is a threat to public health and will be enforced.”
Businesses are also now being required to emphasize the importance of hygiene and social distancing, by posting their detailed protocols by 11:59p on April 2nd.
“We must recognize that while we are all taking difficult steps to protect our community members who are most vulnerable to COVID-19, a prolonged shelter-in-place order creates NEW vulnerabilities in other members of our community.” said Hopkins, “For those workers and businesses who are classified as non-essential, this news is especially difficult.”
Find the full details on the county’s current shelter in place order here.