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Bay Area County Requires Face Masks in Public Starting April 17

Sonoma County residents mandated to wear a facial coverings in public starting Friday.
By - posted 4/15/2020 No Comment

Thanks to SF Gate for letting us know that Sonoma is the first Bay Area county to mandate the wearing of face masks in public (with certain exceptions).

Sonoma County changed its face mask policy from a recommendation to an order requiring members of the public to wear facial coverings effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 17, and will continue to be in effect until it is rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer or the State Health Officer.

The rule is in effect for all of Sonoma County which includes Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park and more…

The basics are that face masks are required for anyone 2 and older who enters an indoor space (other than their house), or an outdoor space where they can’t maintain a 6-foot distance.

Sonoma County’s Basic Rules for When to Wear a Face Mask

  • Before they enter any indoor facility besides their residence. Examples: grocery stores, laundromats/drycleaners, work facilities, post office, etc.
  • In any enclosed open space. Examples: outdoor work sites, construction sites, taxis/rideshares, or buses.
  • When outdoors, if the person is unable to maintain a six-foot distance from another person at all times. Examples: Farmer’s market, pumping gas, drive thru/delivery/carry out/curbside pickup, etc.WHAT ABOUT RUNNING OR WALKING FOR EXERCISE? If you’re going for a run or walk in the woods or in your neighborhood, you don’t need to wear a mask. But bring one in case you encounter other people and cannot maintain a six foot distance.
    WHAT ABOUT AT HOME?
    You are not required to wear a face mask at home
    WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU ARE CAUGHT WITHOUT A FACE MASK IN PUBLIC?
    It’s unclear if the county has any intention of actually issuing any citations, but technically “Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. (California Health and Safety Code § 120275, et seq.)”Read the FAQ

Sonoma County’s Face Mask Rules

  • All persons shall wear facial coverings before they enter any indoor facility besides their residence, any enclosed open space, or while outdoors when the person is unable to maintain a six-foot distance from another person at all times. 
  • Facial coverings mean any fabric or cloth that covers the mouth and nose. The facial covering can be made using household items (including scarves, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, towels, turtlenecks, or other fabric), which can be sewn by hand, or factory-made. Further guidance on facial coverings could be found under CDC and CDPH.
  • This Order does not apply when the person is driving alone or with members of their households unless the windows in the vehicle are lowered to interact with first responders, food service workers, or other persons who are not members of their households.
  • Persons should refrain from purchasing medical-grade masks, such as surgical masks and N95 respirators; those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders coming into contact with infected persons.
  • The order says facial coverings should not be placed on children under age 2 or on anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

Please read the full order carefully at SoCoEmergency.org and click here for FAQ.