Mandate Details
will mandate masks for health care workers in patient care areas from Nov. 18 to April 30, 2025, in response to increasing and flu cases. This applies to various medical facilities regardless of vaccination status.
The order, issued by Sonoma County's interim health director, aligns with similar mandates in other counties, aiming to curb the spread of respiratory viruses among vulnerable patients.
Broader Context and Response
Despite a decline in COVID-19 activity since August, health experts anticipate a possible surge in respiratory illnesses with the onset of colder weather, prompting these preventive measures.
This reinstatement of mask mandates reflects ongoing efforts to protect at-risk populations in health care settings across the Bay Area, with some counties extending requirements to visitors and patients.