| A health order requiring masks be worn indoors, effective Tuesday, August 3, at 12:01 a.m., was issued today by Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase.
Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and the City of Berkeley have also invoked indoor masking orders to take effect Tuesday. The Orders require all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings. “We know that face coverings work to prevent the circulation of the virus, and with contagious variants spreading it has become clear that mask wearing is again necessary,” said Dr. Mase. “Masking and vaccinations are the most important tools we have to end the pandemic.” In a joint statement, the health officials said they are very concerned by the substantial levels of community transmission across the Bay Area, especially among unvaccinated people. Recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also indicates that even fully vaccinated individuals can in some cases spread the Delta variant to others, and so indoor use of face coverings provides an important added layer of protection. The new Health Orders require wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public settings. Health officials also recommend that all employers make face coverings available to individuals entering their businesses, and businesses are required to implement the indoor face covering order. Today’s Health Orders are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health, which recommend that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks while in indoor public settings. Vaccines remain the most powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19, including the Delta variant, Dr. Mase said. “The vaccine is safe, effective, free and widely available. We encourage all residents to do their part in wearing their masks to keep themselves, their families and their community safe.” For more information about COVID-19 and local vaccination clinics, visit SoCoEmergency.org/vaccine Read Sonoma County’s Health Order at: socoemergency.org/emergency/novel-coronavirus/health-orders/
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