Order of the Health Officer of the County of Sonoma C19-14

This Sonoma County Health Order is no longer in effect. This content is provided for historical reference only.

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Amendment No. 1 to Health Order C19-14 »
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Guidance Relating to Vehicle-Based School Graduation, Drive-in Movies, and Faith-Based Drive-Thru Ceremonies »
Temporary Guidance for Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries in Unincorporated Sonoma County »
Guidance for Dining »
Food Facility Operating Checklist » (PDF)
Interim Policy For Zoning Ordinance Implementation To Accommodate Physical Distancing In Commercial Zones »
Press Release »

Attachments:

DATE OF ORDER: JUNE 5, 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:

Summary. The Health Orders were successful in “flattening the curve” and interrupting transmission of the virus. As more businesses re-opened we experienced an increase in new COVID-19 cases that now appears to have leveled off. While continuing to remain vigilant and monitoring critical indicators, the County of Sonoma (“County) is prepared to take measured steps in reopening additional business and community activities, within the parameters of the Governor’s Orders and Guidelines. 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.
As detailed in this Order, while a given activity may be one that is now conditionally allowed, each activity is subject to the requirements for social distancing, hygiene, and face covering, as well as any specific protocols or business-specific guidance. It is up to the business owners, organizers and participants in any given activity to understand and follow the public health guidance that apply to that activity for the protection of employees, customers, and the public, and to cooperate with public health enforcement and disease control unit/contact tracers to help limit the spread of the virus.
While certain indoor activities and businesses are allowed in this Order to operate, such as retail, restaurants, and faith-based gatherings, the science is clear that to the extent that these activities can continue to be done outdoors (such as retail curbside pickup, outdoor dining or outdoor faith based services) or remotely via electronic means, the risk of virus transmission is lower and is therefore recommended.
The evidence shows that a significant percentage of virus transmission is from people who are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms. Health screenings may not detect these individuals. While a given activity may be allowed under this and the Governor’s Orders, the Health Officer advises that community members 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).
The public is also reminded that as additional activities are authorized by the Governor, such authorizations are not automatically in effect, but subject to the local Health Officer’s decision on whether to amend this Order to authorize such activities, based on local conditions, trends, and health system capacity concerning the virus and its spread.
Effective Period. This Order shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on June 6, 2020 and will continue until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer or the State Health Officer. Like the Governor’s Executive Orders N-33-20 and N-60-20, this Order does not have a specific end date so that we can respond and make modifications as necessary (either loosening or tightening restrictions) as changes in the data and state orders may dictate.
Supersedes Prior Orders. This Order supersedes the May 1, 2020 Shelter in Place Order of the Health Officer (C19-09 and Amendments No. 1-3 (“Prior Shelter Order”) and the April 13, 2020 Order of the Health Officer Requiring members of the public to wear Facial Coverings (C19-07). This Order modifies certain requirements of the Prior Shelter Order in accordance with the State of California’s “Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home Order” regarding transmission of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). The Prior Shelter Order has resulted in flat or reduced hospitalizations and ICU admissions for greater than 14 days, adequate hospital capacity, and lengthening of the case doubling time. This Order balances the risk of increased transmission with the need to protect individuals at high risk of disease, as well as the social, emotional, and economic impact of certain restrictions. As of the effective date and time of this Order set forth in Section 6 above, all individuals, businesses, and government agencies in Sonoma County (“County”) are required to follow this Order.
Purpose and Intent. The intent of this Order is to ensure that people continue to shelter in their places of residence to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible and mitigate the impact on delivery of critical healthcare services. All provisions of this Order must be interpreted to effectuate this intent. This Order also adopts the State of California’s Stay- at-Home Order’s designations for Allowed Business, Essential Infrastructure, and outdoor recreation, and thus allows a limited number of additional activities to resume while the Health Officer continues to assess the transmissibility and clinical severity of COVID-19. This Order also clarifies when Face Coverings are required, as set forth in Section 20 below. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Order constitutes an imminent threat and menace to public health, constitutes a public nuisance, and is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
This Order is issued based on evidence of continued community transmission of COVID-19 within the County and throughout the Bay Area; continued uncertainty regarding the degree of undetected asymptomatic transmission; scientific evidence and best practices regarding the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of communicable diseases generally and COVID-19 specifically; evidence that the age, condition, and health of a significant portion of the population of the County places it at risk for serious health complications, including death, from COVID-19; and further evidence that others, including younger and otherwise healthy people, are also at risk for serious outcomes. Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the general public, which is now a pandemic according to the World Health Organization, there is a public health emergency throughout the County. Making the problem worse, some individuals who contract the virus causing the COVID-19 disease have no symptoms or have mild symptoms, which means they may not be aware they carry the virus and are transmitting it to others.
The collective efforts taken to date regarding this public health emergency have slowed the virus’ trajectory, but the emergency and the attendant risk to public health remain significant. This Order is issued in light of the existence of 610 cases of COVID-19 and 4 deaths in the County as of June 5, 2020. The cumulative number of confirmed cases continues to increase, though the rate of increase has slowed in the days leading up to this Order. Evidence suggests that the restrictions on mobility and Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements and Facial Coverings Order imposed by the Prior Shelter Order have been effective in slowing the rate of increase in community transmission and confirmed cases.
COVID-19 Indicators. The local health officer, in conjunction with Bay Area Health Officers, is monitoring several key indicators (“COVID-19 Indicators”), which are among the many factors informing decisions whether to modify existing shelter-in-place restrictions. The COVID-19 Indicators include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. The trend of the number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations per day
2. The capacity of hospitals and the health system in the County and region, including acute care beds and Intensive Care Unit beds, to provide care for COVID-19 patients and other patients, including during a surge in COVID-19
3. The supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) available for hospital staff and other healthcare providers and personnel who need PPE to safely respond to and treat COVID-19
4. The ability and capacity to quickly and accurately test persons to determine whether they are COVID-19 positive, especially those in vulnerable populations or high-risk settings or
5. The ability to conduct case investigation and contact tracing for the volume of cases and associated contacts that will continue to occur, isolating confirmed cases and quarantining persons who have had contact with confirmed cases.
Progress on some of these COVID-19 Indicators—specifically related to case and hospitalization trends and adequate current hospital capacity—makes it appropriate, at this time, to ease certain restrictions imposed by the Prior Shelter Order to allow individuals to engage in additional activities and perform work for additional businesses with mitigation measures in effect. The Health Officer will continually review whether modifications to the Order are justified based on (1) progress on the COVID-19 Indicators; (2) developments in epidemiological and diagnostic methods for tracing, diagnosing, treating, or testing for COVID-19; and (3) scientific understanding of the transmission dynamics and clinical impact of COVID-19.
The scientific evidence shows that at this stage of the emergency, it remains essential to continue to slow virus transmission to help: (a) protect the most vulnerable; (b) prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed; (c) prevent long-term chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular, kidney, and respiratory damage and loss of limbs from blood clotting; and (d) prevent deaths. At the same time, since the Prior Shelter Order was issued the County has made significant progress in expanding health system capacity and healthcare resources and in slowing community transmission of COVID-19. In light of progress on these indicators, and subject to continued monitoring and potential public health-based responses, it is appropriate at this time to allow additional Allowed Businesses and outdoor recreation to operate in the County.
This Order is issued in accordance with, and incorporates by reference, the May 22, 2020 Amendment No. 3 to Order of the Health Officer C19-09; the May 14, 2020 Amendment No. 2 to Order of the Health Officer C19-09; the May 7, 2020 Amendment No. 1 to Order of the Health Officer No. C19-09; the May 4, 2020 Executive Order of the Governor (N-60-20); the May 1, 2020 Order of the Health Officer No. C19-09; the April 28, 2020 Order of the Health Officer No. C19-10; the April 13, 2020 Order of the Health Officer No. C19-07; the March 19, 2020 Executive Order of the Governor (N-33-20); the March 13, 2020 Order of the Health Officer No. C19-02; the March 4, 2020 Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued by Governor Gavin Newsom; the March 2, 2020 Proclamation of Local Emergency for the County of Sonoma issued by the Director of Emergency Services Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency in the County Regarding Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19); the Declaration of Local Health Emergency Regarding Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) issued by the Health Officer; the March 4, 2020 Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma Ratifying and Extending the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency, and the March 4, 2020 Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma Ratifying and Extending the Proclamation of a Local Emergency.
This Order is also issued in light of the March 19, 2020 Order of the State Public Health Officer (the “State Shelter Order”), which set baseline statewide restrictions effective until further notice, as well as the Governor’s May 4, 2020 Executive Order N-60-20. This Order adopts in certain respects more stringent restrictions addressing the particular facts and circumstances in this County, which are necessary to control the public health emergency as it is evolving within the County and the Bay Area. Without this tailored set of restrictions that further reduces the number of interactions between persons, scientific evidence indicates that the public health crisis in the County will worsen to the point at which it may overtake available health care resources within the County and increase the death rate.
Also, this Order sets forth mandatory Face Coverings and Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements for all individuals in the County; and adds a mechanism to ensure that all businesses operating in the County prepare, post, and implement a Social Distancing Protocol and comply with local and state sector specific guidance. Where a conflict exists between this Order and any state public health order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the most restrictive provision controls. Consistent with California Health and Safety Code section 131080 and the Health Officer Practice Guide for Communicable Disease Control in California, the more restrictive provisions between this Order and State orders apply and control in this County. In addition, to the extent any federal guidelines allow activities that are not allowed by this Order, this Order controls and those activities are not allowed.
Individuals. All individuals currently living within the County are ordered to shelter at their place of residence, except as provided in this Order. Individuals experiencing homelessness are exempt from this Section, but are strongly urged to obtain shelter, and governmental and other entities are strongly urged to, as soon as possible, make such shelter available and provide handwashing or hand sanitation facilities to persons who continue experiencing homelessness. When people need to leave their place of residence for the purposes allowed in this Order, they must strictly comply with Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements and the Face Coverings Requirements, except as expressly provided in this Order. Individuals may also leave their residence as follows:
1. To work for a Allowed Business, as defined below and by future Amendments to this Order, including Minimum Basic Operations
2. To work for, volunteer at, or obtain services at “Essential Governmental Functions,” as determined by the governmental entity performing those functions.
3. To work for, volunteer at, or obtain services at “Healthcare Operations” as designated by the State Public Health Officer at https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf.
4. To provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure” as designated by the State Public Health Officer at https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf. All Essential Infrastructure shall be performed in compliance with Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements and Face Coverings Requirements.
5. To provide necessary care for a family member or pet in another household who has no other source of care.
6. To attend a funeral of no more than 100 attendees or 25% of building capacity, whichever is lower, and subject to Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements, Face Coverings Requirements, and the State Places of Worship Guidance. People at high risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to take extra precautions, including participating through outdoor or vehicle based drive-thru services.
7. To move between residences or to a new residence, but only if it is not possible to defer an already planned move, if the move is necessitated by safety, sanitation, or habitability reasons, or if the move is necessary to preserve access to shelter. When moving from an area with high community transmission, individuals are strongly urged to quarantine for 14 days. To quarantine, individuals should follow the guidance of the United States Centers for Disease Control and For clarity, the expectation is that people will shelter in their primary residence or their second home, but not move between them. Individuals should choose which residence to shelter in and stay put for the duration of the shelter in place order. Individuals must not leave their chosen residence to travel to another residence or vacation home, except as allowed under this Order or to perform routine maintenance or inspection (and not for vacation or tourism purposes).
8. All first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement personnel are categorically exempt from this Order to the extent they are performing essential services.
9. Nothing in this Order shall prohibit any individual from performing or accessing “Essential Governmental Functions,” as determined by the governmental entity performing those functions. Each governmental entity shall identify and designate appropriate employees, volunteers, or contractors to continue providing and carrying out any Essential Governmental Functions, including the hiring or retention of new employees or contractors to perform such functions. Each governmental entity and its contractors must employ all necessary emergency protective measures to prevent, mitigate, respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and all Essential Governmental Functions shall be performed in compliance with Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements and Face Coverings Requirements.
Activities. Individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following “Essential Activities.” But people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (as defined in Section 26) and people who are sick are strongly urged to stay in their residence to the extent possible, except as necessary to seek medical care or Essential Governmental Functions. Essential Activities are:
1. To engage in activities or perform tasks important to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (including pets), such as, by way of example only and without limitation, obtaining medical supplies or medication, or visiting a health care professional.
2. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family, household members, and pets, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet food and supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.
3. To engage in outdoor recreation or sports, involving participant group size not to exceed 10 persons, with adherence to Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements and Face Covering Requirements, and with the following limitations and allowances:
  1. Park facilities may be open and operate consistent with the requirements set out in Appendix D, “Park Facilities Operations and Use.”
  2. An “Outdoor Recreation Activity Business” may operate only if it is a “Allowed Business” as both are defined in Section 17.b below, and in compliance with a properly prepared, posted, and implemented Social Distancing Protocol, attached to this Order as Appendix A, as required by the Industry-Specific Guidance set out in Appendix E, and as that may be amended by the Health Officer from time to time.
  3. An “Outdoor Recreational Equipment Rental Business” may operate only if it is a “Allowed Business” as both are defined in Section 17.b below, and in compliance with a properly prepared, posted, and implemented Social Distancing Protocol, attached to this Order as Appendix A, as required by the Industry-Specific Guidance set out in Appendix F, and as that may be amended by the Health Officer from time to time.
  4. To participate in guided or chaperoned outdoor recreational activities, provided that Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements and Face Coverings Requirements are followed to the greatest extent feasible and that no more than 10 persons (who need not be from the same household or living unit), in addition to one host, gather in a consistent group. Any equipment issued or rented to individuals to engage in the activity (for example a kayak, bicycle, or surfboard) shall only be used by that individual for the duration of the activity and sanitized after each use per EPA guidance (https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/guidance-cleaning-and-disinfecting-public-spaces-workplaces-businesses-schools-and-homes).
  5. All activities allowed under Sections i, ii, iii, and iv. above, are subject to the following:
    1. No direct physical contact.
    2. No tournaments, competitions or other sporting events.
    3. No live audience activities.
    4. Recreational campgrounds remain closed.
  6. Outdoor swimming pools that are public, semi-public (HOA), and private (club or member-only) may provide facilities for lap swimming, fitness activities, physical therapy or exercise and shall:
    1. Limit the number of participants.
    2. Designate pool space and areas in such a way that Social Distancing and Hygiene requirements can be maintained.
    3. Close areas that encourage gatherings to allow for greater social distancing;
    4. Indoor locker rooms and changing areas shall remain closed to the public; and,
    5. Adhere to CDC Guidance (), and USA Swimming Facility Re-Opening Messaging and Planning Guidance (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/aquatic-venues.html), and USA Swimming Facility Re-Opening Messaging and Planning Guidance (https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/default-source/coaching-resourcesdocuments/covid-19-team-resources/facility-reopening-plan-guidelines.pdf?sfvrsn=8a533a32_2).
    6. Limit groups of childcare, summer camp programs, and other educational or recreational institutions or programs providing care or supervision for children (as defined in Section 17.b.iii.) so that groups do not commingle with other groups.
4. To attend an outdoor vehicle based school graduation, drive-in movies, and faith-based drive-thru ceremony, and subject to Guidance Relating to Vehicle-Based School Graduation, Drive-in Movies, and Faith-Based Drive-Thru Ceremonies, Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements, and Face Coverings Requirements.
Businesses. All businesses except for Allowed Businesses, defined below, and businesses designated by the State Public Health Officer as Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf) are required to cease all activities except for Minimum Basic Operations, as defined in this Section. All businesses operating in the County shall continue to prepare, post, and implement a Social Distancing Protocol at each of their facilities at which they are maintaining operations, as specified in this Section.
1. Definition. A “business” includes any for-profit, non-profit, faith based organization, or educational entity, whether a corporate entity, organization, partnership or sole proprietorship, and regardless of the nature of the service, the function it performs, or its corporate or entity structure.
2. Allowed Businesses. “Allowed Businesses” consist of businesses designated by the State Public Health Officer as Essential Critical Infrastructure as well as the following business sectors, subject to local and state sector specific orders and guidance, and as may be amended from time to time at the links below in Section 18, and the following additional limitations:
  1. Agriculture and livestock;
  2. Auto dealerships;
  3. All childcare, summer camp programs, and other educational or recreational institutions or programs providing care or supervision for children of all ages for less than 24 hours are allowed. All licensed programs should refer to Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing PIN 20-06-CCP https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/PINs/2020/CCP/PIN_20-06-CCP.pdf for best practices. All other programs should comply with guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for Child Care Programs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html. Additionally all childcare and summer camp programs operating under this must operate under the following conditions:
    1. Childcare shall be carried out in stable groups of 12 or fewer (“stable” means that the same 12 or fewer children are in the same group each day).
    2. Children shall not change from one group to another.
    3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, children shall remain in groups as small as possible and remain separated from other groups. It is important to keep the same children and teacher or staff with each group and include children from the same family in the same group. Groups shall not mix with each other.
    4. Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children, except for temporary briefs or other short-term relief.
    5. Children and childcare providers within the same childcare group are allowed to commingle and are not required to maintain a six-foot distance from each other at all times.
    6. Face Coverings are not required for children younger than age two (2). For children two (2) years of age or older, the Health Officer encourages parents and childcare providers to follow the guidance of the American Association of Pediatrics when masking children over two years of age. (https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/masks-and-children-during-covid-19/). Face Coverings practices should be consistent with the cognitive and developmental capabilities of the child when in a childcare setting. Naptime is an exception to the masking requirement as children should not be masked when they are sleeping; napping children should observe social distancing (nap 6 feet apart).
    7. Childcare, summer camp programs, and other educational or recreational institutions or programs providing care or supervision for children that use facilities defined as “Parks” under Appendix D, “Park Facilities Operations and Use” Section (e.), shall qualify as “individuals from the same household” for purposes of Section (d.vi.) of that Appendix, so long as they also comply with the group size and other limitations set out in this Section.
  4. Communications infrastructure;
  5. Construction. Businesses providing construction services. “Construction services” means services to build, expand, maintain, operate, repair, replace, remodel, retrofit or refurbish any structure, including services needed to support construction activity including, for example, environmental review work, land-surveying, painting, plumbing, electrical, roofing, drywall, fencing, paving, fixture installation, inspection, and similar services.
    Businesses providing construction services shall:
    1. Strictly comply with Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements set forth in this Order;
    2. Be subject to construction sector specific guidance (see Section 18 of this Order);
    3. Develop and comply with COVID-19 Construction Field Safety Requirements at Appendix B;
  6. Delivery services;
  7. Energy and utilities;
  8. Food packing;
  9. Hotels, motels, and short-term lodging facilities, subject to the restrictions below in Section 22;
  10. Life sciences;
  11. Limited services, except that counseling provided by faith based organizations can be performed in-person with members of a single household or living unit if telework is not possible, and subject to existing local and state orders and guidance, including the Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements, Face Coverings Requirements, and the State COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Limited Services posted here: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-limited-services.pdf. Counseling service already being performed by teleworking shall not be allowed to convert into in-person counseling. People at high risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19, as defined below in Section 26, are encouraged to use counseling by faith based organization through telework or other technologies that support physical distancing and public health guidelines.
  12. Logistics and warehousing facilities;
  13. Manufacturing;
  14. Mining and logging;
  15. Outdoor museums;
  16. Office workspaces where teleworking is not possible. This does not apply to office activities already being performed by teleworking, and shall not necessarily allow teleworking to be converted into in-person operations. These office workspaces shall not be open to the public. All in-office operations must be conducted in accordance with applicable state and local guidance.
  17. Indoor and Outdoor Places of worship of no more than 100 attendees or 25% of building capacity, whichever is lower, and subject to Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements, Face Coverings Requirements, and the State Places of Worship Guidance. People at high risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to take extra precautions, including participating through virtual, outdoor, or vehicle based drive-thru services;
  18. Ports;
  19. Public transit and intercity passenger rail;
  20. Real estate transaction;
  21. Indoor and Outdoor Retail;
  22. Indoor and Outdoor Shopping centers;
  23. Dine-in restaurants and food facilities. Brewpubs, breweries, bars, pubs, craft distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms may operate under this Section only if meals are provided, including by contract with another vendor. Alcohol can only be served in the same transaction as a meal. Alcohol only retail sales may only occur after the meal;
  24. Hair salons and barbershops. Services that cannot be performed with Face Coverings on both the worker and customer or that require touching the customer’s face, e.g., eyelash services, eyebrow waxing and threading, facials, permanent make up, etc., are prohibited until those types of services are allowed to resume by the State Public Health Officer;
  25. Outdoor Recreation Activity Business, which is an outdoor business otherwise entitled to operate under this Order, and which operates predominately outside and provides its customers with recreational activities, opportunities and/or instruction occurring exclusively outside, and subject to the Outdoor Recreation Activity Business Requirements in Appendix E;
  26. Outdoor Recreational Equipment Rental Business, which is a recreational equipment rental business that was in operation prior to March 17, 2020 and where there is the ability to fully maintain social distancing of at least six feet between all persons, and subject to the Outdoor Recreational Equipment Rental Business Requirements in Appendix F; and
  27. Outdoor Sport Fishing Business, except that boats shall reduce their passenger carrying capacity so individuals or households may maintain six foot social distancing aboard the vessel. The captain, crew and passengers shall comply with Face Coverings Requirements at all times and follow mitigation measures including but not limited to social distancing while boarding and disembarking the vessel and frequent sanitation of rails, counters, restroom and seating areas prior and during the activity as necessary; and,
  28. Any businesses authorized to operate under the Prior Shelter Orders.
3. Minimum Basic Operations. “Minimum Basic Operations” include the following activities when they cannot be performed remotely, provided that there are only the minimum number of persons on-site and persons comply with Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements as defined this Section:
  1. The minimum necessary activities to maintain and protect the value of the business’s inventory and facilities; ensure security, safety, and sanitation; process payroll and employee benefits; and related functions.
  2. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate owners, personnel, and contractors of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences, and to ensure that the business can deliver its service remotely.
4. Social Distancing Protocol. All businesses must prepare and post a “Social Distancing Protocol” for each of their facilities in the County frequented by the public or employees. The Social Distancing Protocol must be substantially in the form attached to this Order as Appendix A. The Social Distancing Protocol must be posted at or near the entrance of the relevant facility, and shall be easily viewable by the public and employees. A copy of the Social Distancing Protocol must also be provided to each employee performing work at the facility and to any authority enforcing this Order upon demand. The Social Distancing Protocol must explain how the business is achieving the following, as applicable:
  1. Limiting the number of people who can enter into the facility at any one time to ensure that people in the facility can easily maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another at all times, except as required to complete the Allowed Business activity;
  2. Where lines may form at a facility, marking six-foot increments at a minimum, establishing where individuals should stand to maintain adequate social distancing;
  3. Providing hand sanitizer, soap and water, or effective disinfectant at or near the entrance of the facility and in other appropriate areas for use by the public and employees, and in locations where there is high-frequency employee interaction with members of the public (e.g. cashiers);
  4. Providing for contactless payment systems or, if not feasible to do so, the providing for disinfecting all payment portals, pens, and styluses after each use;
  5. Regularly disinfecting other high-touch surfaces;
  6. Posting a sign at the entrance of the facility informing all employees and customers that they should: avoid entering the facility if they have a cough or fever; maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another; sneeze and cough into one’s elbow; not shake hands or engage in any unnecessary physical contact; and
  7. Any additional social distancing measures being implemented (see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html).
Framework for Reopening. All businesses, including public agencies, operating in the County shall comply with local and state orders and guidance, including preparing, posting, and implementing a Social Distancing Protocol, Attached to this Order as Appendix A, at all facilities operating in the County, as well as requiring all employees to perform a self-check for COVID-19 symptoms and temperature check before reporting to their work site or other assignment away from their residence. Employers should use the free Sonoma County SoCo COVID-19 Check Application. An alternative system may be utilized as long as it meets the same purpose of employee and employer assessments and as long as it allows the electronic reporting of equivalent data to be reported to the County in aggregate form.
County Orders and Guidance are located here:
- https://socoemergency.org/emergency/novel-coronavirus/health-orders/
- http://sonomaedb.org/Business-Assistance/Coronavirus/Business-Management-Plans/
State Orders and Guidance are located here:
- https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/SHO%20Order%205-7-2020.pdf
- https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/
SoCo COVID-19 Check is located here:
- Apple IOS version is on the Apple App store
  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soco-covid-19-check/id1511037042
- Android version is on Google Play Store
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sococheck
- SoCoEmergency Website
  https://socoemergency.org/emergency/novel-coronavirus/soco-covid-19-check/
Amendments. Additional businesses will be allowed to open through future Amendments to this Order.
Gatherings. All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except as allowed by this Order or by the State Public Health Officer. Nothing in this Order prohibits members of a single household or living unit from engaging in Essential Travel or Essential Activities together.
1. In an effort to balance First Amendment interests with public health, the prohibition against gatherings does not apply to faith-based services, cultural ceremonies (as defined by the State Public Health Officer), as well as protests or other forms of expressive speech. These types of gatherings are allowed so long as they do not exceed 100 attendees or 25% of the capacity of the space in which the gathering is held, whichever is lower. Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements as well as the Face Covering Requirement shall be complied with at all times.
Travel. All travel, except Essential Travel, as defined below, is prohibited. People may use public transit only for purposes of performing Essential Activities or to travel to and from work to operate Allowed Businesses, maintain Essential Governmental Functions, or to perform Minimum Basic Operations at non-allowed businesses. Individuals engaged in travel must comply with Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements, as defined in Section 23.
1. “Essential Travel” includes travel for any of the following purposes:
  1. Travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, Allowed Businesses, or Minimum Basic Operations.
  2. Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.
  3. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services.
  4. Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction.
  5. Travel required by law enforcement or court order.
  6. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the County. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their transportation out of the County remains available and functional prior to commencing such travel.
  7. Travel to manage after-death arrangements and burial.
  8. Travel to arrange for shelter or avoid homelessness.
  9. Travel to avoid domestic violence or child abuse.
  10. Travel for parental custody or foster care arrangements.
  11. Travel to a place to temporarily reside in a residence or other facility to avoid potentially exposing others to COVID-19, such as a hotel or other facility provided by a governmental authority for such purposes.
Lodging. Short-term lodging facilities (including short-term rentals, vacation rentals, timeshares, hotels, motels, and other short-term lodgings) only to the extent they provide: (1) lodging to protect the County homeless population, (2) lodging for County residents who have been displaced and cannot return to their residence because there is a person residing at their residence that must isolate or quarantine or is at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, as defined in Section 26, (3) lodging for County residents who need to isolate or quarantine, (4) housing support for Healthcare Operations, Essential Infrastructure, Allowed Businesses, and Essential Governmental Functions (i.e. housing traveling nurses or government contractors). Short-term lodging facilities shall not operate for tourism. No homeowner, agent of the homeowner, property manager, marketing agent, listing agent, or real estate agent shall engage in efforts to rent or lease any short-term lodging facilities within the County for any other purpose;
Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements.
1. All individuals must strictly comply with “Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements” which means:
  1. Maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from individuals who are not part of the same household or living unit;
  2. Frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer that is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as effective in combatting COVID-19;
  3. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or fabric or, if not possible, into the sleeve or elbow (but not into hands);
  4. Wearing a Face Covering when out in public, consistent with the Face Coverings Requirements; and
  5. Avoiding all social interaction outside the household when sick with a fever, cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms.
2. Exceptions. Individuals are exempted from complying with Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements only to the limited extent necessary to provide care (including childcare, adult or senior care, care to individuals with special needs, and patient care); as necessary to carry out the work of Permitted Businesses, Essential Governmental Functions, or provide for Minimum Basic Operations; or as otherwise expressly provided in this Order.
Face Coverings Requirements. It is required that all people wear Face Coverings before they enter any indoor business, indoor public common areas, or whenever the person is unable to maintain a six-foot distance at all times from a person of a different household or living unit and as set forth in Appendix C of this Order. This requirement includes certain exceptions:
1. While inside their own residence;
2. While inside or driving alone in a vehicle, or with members of the same household or living unit, 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 household or living unit.
3. While engaging in outdoor recreational or sport activity if Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements are met at all times;
4. While eating or drinking;
5. If a Face Covering may pose a risk to the person wearing the mask for health-or safety related reasons; a Face Covering should also not be used by anyone who has a respiratory condition or trouble breathing, or who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the Face Covering without assistance.
6. If a Face Covering would create a risk to the person related to their work as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.
7. Face Covering Requirements do not apply to children aged two years or less because of the risk of suffocation; and are only recommended, but not ordered, for any child aged twelve years or less.
Definitions. To the extent the Sheriff or any chief of police has any questions regarding the definitions under this Order, the Health Officer hereby delegates authority to the County Counsel to answer such questions.
People at high risk. People at high risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 and people who are sick are strongly encouraged to stay in their residence to the extent possible. These people should make a reasonable effort to avoid leaving home by utilizing delivery services, telecommunications, or other means available. Nothing prevents a person at high risk of severe illness from leaving home for the reasons otherwise allowed under this Order, if the Essential Activity, Essential Business, or other permissible conduct cannot reasonably be accomplished at their place of residence. For purposes of this Order, “people at high risk of severe illness” from COVID-19 are people who meet the CDC definition of higher risk (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html). Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:
1. People aged 65 years and older.
2. People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
3. Other high-risk conditions could include:
  1. People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma.
  2. People who have serious heart conditions.
  3. People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment.
  4. People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk.
  Please note, many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
Community Services. Government agencies and other entities operating shelters and other facilities that house or provide meals or other necessities of life for individuals experiencing homelessness must take appropriate steps to help ensure compliance with Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements, including adequate provision of hand sanitizer. Also, individuals experiencing homelessness who are unsheltered should abide by 12 foot by 12 foot distancing for the placement of tents/sleeping quarters, and government agencies should provide restroom and hand washing facilities for such individuals as set forth in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Interim Guidance Responding to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/unsheltered-homelessness.html.
Enforcement. Pursuant to Government Code sections 26602 and 41601 and Health and Safety Code section 101029, the Health Officer requests that the Sheriff and all chiefs of police in the County ensure compliance with and enforce this Order. The Sheriff, chiefs of police, County Counsel, and city attorneys are empowered to ensure compliance with and enforce this Order within their jurisdictions. Questions of interpretation of the Order shall remain as set forth in Section 25 above. The violation of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat and menace to public health, constitutes a public nuisance, and is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
Operations Center. The County is ordered to establish an Operations Center, implement all emergency protective orders, implement all health officer orders, and implement the County’s pandemic response.
The Health Officer has determined that this Order, and its Prior Shelter Orders, were and are necessary because cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed throughout Sonoma County. COVID-19 is highly contagious and has a propensity to spread in various ways including, but not limited to, by attaching to surfaces or remaining in the air, resulting in physical damage and/or physical loss.
Additional Standards. The Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements and Appendices in this Order establish minimum requirements. The Health Officer, in consultation with the Economic Development Board and industry representatives, may develop and establish additional sector specific social distancing and health/safety standards and best practices. Until such sector specific standards and best practices are established, industries should review any relevant sector specific COVID-19 guidance or regulations issued by Federal, California, or Sonoma County governmental agencies in order to develop and implement their own best practices, in addition to complying with the Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements and Appendices in this Order.
Public Distribution. Copies of this Order 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 (https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Health/Public-Health/) and (https://socoemergency.org/); and (3) provided to any member of the public requesting a copy of this Order.
Severability. If any provision of this Order to the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the reminder of the Order, 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. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.