Sonoma County in California has re-implemented a mask mandate for specific healthcare facilities and strengthened vaccine recommendations, citing an increased risk of COVID-19 and flu transmission. 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The mandate, effective November 1, 2025, and set to expire March 31, 2026, will be reviewed annually unless rescinded. Exemptions apply for individuals with medical, mental health, or disability-related conditions, as well as those who rely on lip-reading. Acceptable masks include surgical masks, KN95, KF94, and N95 respirators, while informal coverings like scarves or masks with unfiltered valves are prohibited.
Dr. Smith emphasized the directive’s goal to shield vulnerable populations, including the elderly and cancer patients, and prevent healthcare staff from falling ill, which could strain facility operations. Alongside the mandate, she urged vaccination for all individuals aged six months and older, advising both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to wear masks in indoor public spaces during high-risk periods.
The guidance conflicts 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 now advise against routine COVID-19 vaccinations for adults over 65 and emphasize individual consultation for vaccination decisions. The HHS has also limited approval criteria for new vaccines, focusing on “science, safety, and common sense.”
