Coronavirus Update: Sonoma County Extends Shelter-In-Place Order To May 3
SANTA ROSA (CBS SF) -- The shelter-in-place order for Sonoma County residents will be extended to May 3, the county's public health officer announced Tuesday. Most Bay Area counties announced a similar extension on Tuesday.
The original order was announced March 18 and set to expire on April 7, but due to public health circumstances and the current spread of the coronavirus in the region, health officials deemed it necessary to keep people in the isolation of their homes for another month.
The new order adds to the list of activities people may undertake outside their home as well as clarifies guidance from the previous order.
"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," said Sonoma County Public Health Officer, Dr. Sundari Mase. "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."
Sonoma County has 64 active cases of COVID-19 (78 total) as of Tuesday night. One person has died and 13 patients have recovered from the illness, health officials said.
The new iteration of the shelter-in-place order emphasizes social distancing, washing hands, avoiding touching the face, covering coughs and sneezes, and regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.
All of the county's essential businesses must develop, post, and implement a detailed Social Distancing and Hygiene Protocol by 11:59 p.m. on April 2, 2020.
"While many businesses and retailers should be commended for complying with the social distancing requirements in the order, many have not taken it seriously enough, said Dr. Mase. "I cannot overemphasize the importance of these measures in keeping our community safe. If a business is in the essential category, it must comply or it risk being closed down."
