COVID 19 POLICY

General Information

Please read this Order carefully.  Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.  (Health and Safety Code § 120295, et seq.)

The Sonoma County Health Officer has determined that there is an increased risk of the Coronavirus 2019 Disease (“COVID-19”) among persons living or working in congregate living facilities.  Social distancing alone in these facilities is not effective due to the concentration of individuals.  To help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable individuals, it is necessary for the Health Officer to direct the implementation of additional preventative measures:

  • This Order is issued based on scientific evidence and best practices as currently known and available to prevent the spread of the virus that causes “COVID-19 to the residents and workers in congregate living facilities.
  • COVID-19 can easily spread between people who are in close contact with one another.  There is growing evidence of transmission risk from infected persons before the onset of symptoms.  Thus, all individuals who contract COVID-19, regardless of their level of symptoms (none, mild or severe), may place other vulnerable members at significant risk.
  • Because COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, covering the nose and mouth of an infected person can slow or prevent the spread of the virus.
  • This Order is necessary because COVID-19 is highly contagious and has a propensity to spread person to person and by attaching to surfaces or remaining in the air, resulting in property loss or damage.
  • The preventative measures required by this Order DO NOT apply to existing residents of congregate care facilities, but only to persons entering such facilities who are not existing residents.

Screenings for Visitors and or New Residents

  • Self-Evaluation.  Immediately prior to entering a facility, all individuals shall self-evaluate for mild to moderate symptoms related to COVID-19, or other respiratory illness. The symptoms that must be included in this self-evaluation are sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, runny nose in the absence of known allergies, unusual headaches, severe fatigue, fever, chills, gastro-intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or stomach cramps, or loss of sense of smell or taste.  No visitor shall enter the home under any circumstances if they are experiencing any of these symptoms.
  • Temperature Screening. All individuals entering a home shall submit to a temperature screening immediately prior to entering the facility.  The temperature screenings shall be conducted by the operator of the facility or his or her designee utilizing the least intrusive means possible.
  • Prohibition of Entry.  No individual who is not a or existing or new resident at a home: 1) through self-evaluation the individual identifies he/she has symptoms or 2) a temperature screening of the individual results in a temperature of 100.0 F or 37.8 C or greater, or the person feels like they are running a fever.

Masking

Masking in Non-Resident Care Congregate Settings. Each authorized visitor of a home shall cover his or her nose and mouth with a facial covering made from fabric or cloth.  If medical-grade masks are available, those may be used in lieu of a cloth or fabric facial covering.  If a cloth covering is used, it must be laundered before reuse.

Other Preventative Measures

Physical Distancing.   All residents of a home shall practice physical distancing by remaining at least 6 feet apart from other persons when out of their rooms.

A copy of this Order shall be posted at all entrances to each facility listed in Attachment A or Attachment B immediately upon receipt.

Isolation Information

I feel ill and I am worried it is COVID. What do I do?

  • Call and schedule a test for COVID-19 if you have any of the following symptoms:
    • fever,
    • headache,
    • dry cough,
    • muscle aches,
    • loss of smell or taste,
    • sore throat,
    • chills,
    • runny nose,
    • nausea,
    • diarrhea,
    • shortness of breath.Remember, symptoms can be mild or severe. Even people who have no symptoms can have COVID and pass the virus to others. If you have a healthcare provider: Call and explain that you have symptoms of COVID and request to schedule a test. If you do not have a healthcare provider: Call the Sonoma County Health Department COVID Hotline to schedule a free testing appointment: (707) 565-4667.
  • Your information is strictly confidential and will not be shared with other governmental agencies or immigration officials.
  • Stay at home in self-isolation while you are waiting for your test results — do not go to work, do not go out to public places, and stay separated from other family members as much as possible.
    Your test result will be sent back to you by text or email if you get a test through the County, or your provider will contact you with the result. If you need help to stay in isolation, we can help connect you with services to support you and your family when you have to stay home. Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to talk/text with a call taker 24/7.
    Resources are available regardless of immigration status.
  • If your test result is positive, you have COVID-19. To protect your family, co-workers, and the community, stay in isolation for 10 days after your symptoms start to prevent giving the virus to others. Once you are finished with your 10-day isolation, you do not need a repeat test. A case manager from the health department or its partners will call you to answer your questions, gather information, and help you access resources (financial support, food delivery, alternative housing, or other services) to help you during your isolation. They will give you a letter for your employer to excuse you from work. Once you are finished, they will give you a release letter allowing you to return to work. If you are able to isolate at home in a separate room from your other household members, do so. Stay out of common areas like kitchen and living room as much as possible. If you go out of your room, wear a mask. If you must share a bathroom, clean it after each use.