This Sonoma County Health Order is no longer in effect. This content is provided for historical reference only.
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Date of Order: September 23, 2020
Please read this Order carefully. 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.)
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 101040, 101085, AND 120175, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF SONOMA (“HEALTH OFFICER”) ORDERS:
- This Amendment aligns the local order with the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy (“Blueprint Activity and Business Tiers”) and allows all activities and businesses to operate consistent with Sonoma County’s tier status as it moves between tiers;
- On August 28, 2020, California Department of Public Health updated its framework for reopening to establish a progressive tier system for reopening the economy – allowing a gradual reopening of business activity depending on local case rate per capita and percent of positive COVID-19 tests. Each progressive tier will permit a broader range of business reopening guided by risk-based criteria pertinent to each sector.
- As of September 11, 2020, Sonoma County is in the purple tier. Therefore, all activities and businesses in Sonoma County must comply with the purple tier allowances and restrictions in the Blueprint Activity and Business Tiers. Additional activities and businesses will be allowed as authorized and in compliance with the Blueprint and Business Tiers as Sonoma County moves between tiers.
- This Amendment becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. on DATE, and continues in effect until Order C19-15 is rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer or by the State Public Health Officer.
- All activities and businesses may operate when allowed by the Blueprint Activity and Business Tiers, and in compliance with state and local orders and guidance, and as follows:
- Child care programs. Child care programs shall comply with the local definition for group size found in the Frequently Asked Questions on SoCoEmergency.Org. Child care programs may participate in activities, recreation, or sports permitted under the state order (see Stay Home Q&A) and state guidance. Child care groups shall not commingle with other groups. Tournaments, competitions, or other sporting events, including live audience activities, are prohibited. For clarity, this subsection does not allow recreation or sports activities within groups that require person-to-person physical contact between members of different households or living units;
- This should not be seen as a return to normal. The virus is not contained. There is still a clear and present danger to the community by its continued transmission. This is especially true for indoor activities, when individuals are at close quarters, interacting with greater numbers of people, and/or are interacting with non-household members for longer durations.
- While an activity may be allowed under this Amendment, Order, or the State Order, that does not mean that the activity does not present a risk. Community members should conduct their own risk-based assessment of what activities are appropriate, especially those who have underlying medical conditions, people age 65 or older, or who are otherwise vulnerable (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html ).
- Copies of this Amendment shall promptly be: (1) made available at the County Administration Center at 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa CA 95403; (2) posted on the County Public Health Department website and socoemergency.org/ and (3) provided to any member of the public requesting a copy of this Order.
- If any provision of this Amendment or related Order is held to be invalid, the reminder, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect.
IT IS SO ORDERED:
Dr. Sundari R. Mase, MD MPH
Health Officer of the County of Sonoma