Sonoma County mandates masks in healthcare facilities
Sonoma County’s interim health officer, Dr. Karen Smith, issued an order requiring masks in specified healthcare settings from Nov. 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026, citing higher respiratory‑virus risk and the need to protect vulnerable patients and staffing. The mandate covers skilled nursing facilities, nursing‑care areas of long‑term care, acute and non‑acute rehab, infusion centers and dialysis centers, specifies acceptable mask types, lists medical and communication exemptions, and will recur annually unless rescinded; the county also strongly recommended COVID‑19 and flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
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📌 Key Facts
- Order applies Nov. 1, 2025–Mar. 31, 2026 and will recur annually unless rescinded
- Covered settings: skilled nursing, nursing‑care areas of long‑term care, acute/non‑acute rehab, infusion and dialysis centers
- Acceptable masks: surgical, KN95, KF94, or N95 respirators; cloth or valved masks not permitted
- Exemptions include certain medical, mental health or disability conditions and communication needs (e.g., hearing‑impaired interactions)
- County also strongly recommends COVID‑19 and influenza vaccination for all aged 6 months+ and masking indoors when risk is high