The Sonoma County Public Health department is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of every member of the community. They provide the guidance on local issues related to health care and are instrumental in distributing information and guidelines to keep our community healthy and safe, especially concerning COVID-19.

  • Local Resources:
    • SoCoEmergency.org is the official County website for centralized information about the current coronavirus COVID-19 emergency.
    • 2-1-1 Sonoma Information & Resource Hotline is a number for the public to call for information and resources on the County’s response to COVID-19. In addition to calling, people can call 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898-211 to be connected with a call taker.
    • Medi-Cal and private medical insurance plans cover testing for Coronavirus COVID-19.
      • On March 5, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared, “We have ordered health insurance companies to waive ALL out-of-pocket costs for preventive coronavirus testing.” California is the latest state to order insurance companies to waive out-of-pocket costs for coronavirus testing.
      • All commercial and Medi-Cal health plans have eliminated out of pocket costs for all medically necessary screening and testing for the COVID-19. This includes waiving cost-sharing for emergency room, urgent care or provider office visits when the purpose of the visit is to be screened and tested for COVID-19.
    • Other important links with up to date information can be found here:
  • Local and State-wide Updates
    7/2/2020 Update: We know this Fourth of July is not going to be the same, but we’ll have time later to gather with friends for barbecues, to hug those we love, and to celebrate together. For your own health, and for the health of our community, we are asking that you stay home. If you do need to leave your home, wear your face mask, and stay 6 feet apart. July 3-5 public parking facilities and parking on roadways is prohibited in all state beaches within the county. Beaches are open to local residents that can walk or bike into these public outdoor spaces.
    —
    Sabemos que este 4 de julio no va a ser igual que los anteriores pero luego tendremos tiempo de reunirnos con amigos para hacer asados, abrazar a nuestros seres queridos y para celebrar juntos. Por su propia salud y por la salud de nuestra comunidad, le pedimos que se quede en casa. Si necesita salir de su hogar, use su cubierta facial y manténgase a 6 pies de distancia de otras personas. 3 al 5 de julio los estacionamientos públicos de todas las playas estatales en nuestro condado estaran cerrados y estacionar al borde de las carreteras está prohibido. Las playas están abiertas a los residentes locales que pueden caminar o llegar en bicicleta.

    6/19/2020 Update: Today’s new Health Order allows businesses to resume to the maximum extent possible under the State’s order. Businesses that are able to reopen – with certain restrictions and mitigation measures in place – include campgrounds, gyms, fitness centers, movie theaters, nail salons, tattoo parlors, museums and galleries, and certain family entertainment businesses like mini golf. En Español

    6/18/2020 Update: The state of California released new guidance​ mandating the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when outside the home, with limited exceptions. You should wear face coverings when in public places, particularly when those locations are indoors or in other areas where physical distancing is not possible.

    Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing, washing hands, and staying home when ill, but they may be helpful when combined with these primary interventions.

    6/4/2020 Update: Health care workers and First Responders can get tested for COVID-19 without showing symptoms by calling 707-565-4467. Sonoma County residents can make an appointment through OptumServe at https://lhi.care/covidtesting5/12/20 Update: Sonoma County Amended Parks Closure Order information to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Limited socially distanced access to some parks for outdoor recreational activities.6/3/2020 Update: Sonoma County’s health officer eased restrictions on outdoor recreation by issuing an order that allows park agencies to reopen coastal parking lots and restore daytime visiting hours at beaches. The order means residents can drive to Sonoma Coast parks and trails beginning Wednesday, June 3rd. The amended parks order allows individuals or household groups to drive to coastal parks for lower-risk recreation, including hiking, walking, running, fishing, surfing and other water sports, as well as for sunbathing and relaxing on beaches.

    5/10/20 Update: Click Here to view the State of California Resilience Roadmap

    5/6/20 Update: SoCo Emergency has complied a frequently asked questions page about the COVID-19 testing. Click here for the FAQ

    5/4/20 Update: There is a new Coronavirus newsletter from the City of Healdsburg.  Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter that curates some of the latest coronavirus-related news and info for Healdsburg community members – https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/list.aspx

    4/28 Update: Sonoma County Public Health began drive-through testing for health care workers last weekend, with and without symptoms. Drive thru testing will continue this week for healthcare workers and soon the second set of high-risk individuals: first responders. Call 707-565-4667 to make an appointment

    • The Department of Health Services has begun an enhanced contact tracing project. This process of disease tracking is consistent with usual everyday practices in disease control
    • Tune in to Dr. Mase’s daily briefing, 3:30 p.m. on Sonoma County Facebook. A Spanish briefing follows at approximately 3:40 p.m. these short (3-5 minute) briefings focus on the latest health message/information. Quick tip for non-Facebook users – you can view recorded daily briefings without having to log-in at facebook.com/CountyofSonoma/live
    • A new Stay Healthy resource area on SoCoEmergency.org provides update information about coronavirus prevention and hygiene, symptoms and treatment, and how to access healthcare during this time. It’s important to continue to continue to stay healthy by accessing preventative care, either through telehealth resources or through contacting your care providers with questions and concerns.

4/14 Update: Starting April 17, a Public Face Covering Health Order requiring face protection to be worn by all county residents in public spaces will go into effect. Face coverings are not required for children under the age of two or anyone who has trouble breathing or unable to remove the mask without assistance. Additional information is available here

4/4 Update: Face covering have been recommended when performing essential activities such as grocery shopping. Cloth face coverings or homemade coverings should be: Worn only by one person. Fitted carefully to prevent frequent adjustment. Practice strict hand washing before and after touching and adjusting the face covering. Washed frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily.

4/3 Update:  The County has finalized a flier informing people of what to do if someone in their household has coronavirus-like symptoms

3/31 Update: The CDC has advised that it is possible for the COVID-19 test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative). This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test is negative. If this is the case, your healthcare provider will consider the test result together with your symptoms, possible exposures, and geographical location of places you have recently traveled in deciding how to care for you.  See the CDC Fact Sheet Here

3/19 Update: SoCo Emergency has created a list of resources for Seniors and vulnerable populations.

As a reminder, to keep yourself and others around you safe, please practice the following steps:

1) Wear a mask and maintain a 6 foot distance when performing necessary tasks such as grocery shopping.

2) Use only your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc. Protect your hands by using a paper towel or a disposable glove.

3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with an unprotected hand. Especially to do this with bathroom and public buildings and offices.

4) Use disinfectant wipes to sanitize public surroundings such as grocery carts, mass transportation and airplane seats. Carry your own supply with you to have at the ready.

5) Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from any activity that involves locations where other people have been.

6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances as well as in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.

7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and immediately discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!

COVID-19 Information