CDPH Recommends Masking for Public Indoor Settings to Slow Spread of COVID-19 & Delta Variant

In response to the spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and new CDC guidance, the California Department of Public Health updated its Guidance for Face Coverings, recommending mask use for indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.

Sonoma County Achieves 70% COVID-19 Vaccination Rate, but Cases Climb Among Unvaccinated Residents

County of Sonoma health officials announced that more than 70% of County residents age 12+ are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 & another 8% have received a single dose of vaccine, meaning 78% of residents are either fully or partially vaccinated.

Get Vaccinated and Receive Free Admission to Summer Fun Fest at Sonoma County Fairgrounds

The Sonoma County Fairgrounds & the Sonoma County Medical Association are collaborating with the County’s vaccination efforts by providing free admission & a free ride ticket to members of the public who receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Jockey Club in SR

First-in-the-Nation Measures to Encourage State Employees and Health Care Workers to Get Vaccinated

The State of California is implementing a first-in-the-nation standard to require all state workers and workers in health care and high-risk congregate settings to either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week.

Sonoma County Recommends Masking Indoors for Everyone

Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and the City of Berkeley Recommend Masking Indoors for Everyone as a Precaution Against Increased Circulation of COVID-19

COVID Cases at City’s Homeless Shelter

(Updated July 29, 2021) 

The County of Sonoma, City of Santa Rosa, and Catholic Charities are responding to positive cases of COVID-19 at the City's Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter (SJH). 

Following is the latest information...

Sonoma Co. Alternate Care Site to Open in Response to Increase in COVID-19 Cases

Joint News Release from the County of Sonoma and City of Santa Rosa  - July 14, 2021:

Due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, particularly within the homeless community, and an outbreak at the City of Santa Rosa's Samuel L. Jones Homeless Shel...

County Testing Sites Now Offer BinaxNOW ‘Rapid’ Tests

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is now offering BinaxNOW “rapid” antigen testing at all DHS testing sites.

More than 325,000 Sonoma County Residents Now Vaccinated

Sonoma County surpassed 325,000 residents who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and the county is expected to surpass 600,000 total doses administered since vaccinations began more than six months ago.

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Expedite Cal/OSHA’s Revised Workplace Masking Guidance

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order that will expedite Cal/OSHA’s revised workplace masking and social distancing prevention requirements.

Sonoma County to Align With State Reopening Plan

Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase made clear that the County of Sonoma will be aligning with the CA Dept of Public Health’s plans to remove pandemic-related limitations on restaurants, taverns, movie theaters & other businesses beginning 6/15.

County Offices to Fully Reopen to the Public Tuesday, June 15; Masking and Distancing Still Required

Sonoma County offices will open to the public full time beginning 6/15 following limited in-person access due to COVID-19. Members of the public & employees will still be required to wear facial coverings for the time being when entering county facilities

Sonoma County Provides Update on Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Sonoma County so far has provided $2,678,957 in rental assistance to more than 1,450 residents through its recently activated Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

70% of Sonoma County Residents 12 and Older Have Now Received at Least One Dose of Vaccine

Seven out of 10 Sonoma County residents age 12 and older have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 300,000 residents have been at least partially vaccinated, county health officials announced today.

Bay Area Health Officers Support Full In-person School this Fall

Sonoma County Health Officer, Dr. Sundai Mase, has joined Bay Area health officers to express their collective support for the opening of California schools for full-time in-person instruction for all grades in the fall of 2021.

Sonoma County Supervisors Approve $2.8 Million in Business Relief

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday passed a resolution authorizing nearly $2.8 million in relief for businesses forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sonoma County Consolidating Vaccine Sites, Shifting to Mobile Clinics

The County and its health care partners will be closing down some if its large-scale vaccination sites in the coming weeks to focus on targeting hard-to-reach populations, health officials announced today.

Bay Area Health Officers Support California Face Masking Guidance

The Association of Bay Area Health Officials strongly supports the California Department of Public Health’s strategy to continue with current masking guidance until June 15, when the State will align with the CDC’s updated masking guidance.

70% of Sonoma County Residents 16 and Older Have Now Received at Least One Dose of Vaccine

Seven out of 10 Sonoma County adults age 16 and older have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 500,000 doses have been administered to County residents, county health officials announced today.

Sonoma County Contracts with Windsor’s Holiday Inn to Serve as Temporary Non-Congregate Shelter Site

The County of Sonoma has contracted with the Holiday Inn in Windsor to provide temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Sonoma County Partners with Curative to Provide Mobile Vaccine Clinic

Sonoma County has partnered with Curative, a COVID-19 testing and public health services company, to administer COVID-19 vaccinations by way of a mobile unit that will provide clinics at locations throughout the County.

Half of Sonoma County Adult Population is Now Fully Vaccinated

Sonoma County has now fully vaccinated more than half of its 16 and older population. In addition, more than two-thirds of these 411,000 residents have received at least one shot of the vital protection against COVID-19.

Sonoma County to Restart Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine

Sonoma County joins the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Solano and the City of Berkeley in the Bay Area in immediately lifting the pause and resuming administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Sonoma County Achieves Key Milestone With 400,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered to Residents

As of today (4/20/21), more than 400,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to eligible Sonoma County residents, a milestone that also means 60% of eligible residents have received at least one dose and two in five are now fully vaccinated.

Homeless Services Update: Motel Rooms to Phase Out with Vaccines and Shelter Bed Space Now Available

With the arrival of increased vaccine availability and restored homeless shelter beds at Santa Rosa’s new Shelter Annex, the City will begin phasing out the use of motel rooms for individuals experiencing homelessness in late April 2021 and over the next ...

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, Hospital & La Luz Opening Vaccination Clinic in Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, Sonoma Valley Hospital, & La Luz Center are working in partnership with the County of Sonoma to open a new vaccination clinic serving residents in and around the Boyes Hot Springs and Agua Caliente in Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma County Offices to Reopen for In-Person Service

Most Sonoma County gov. offices will reopen for limited walk-up service starting 4/19. While several County offices remained open during the pandemic, the expanded reopening is due to the decrease of COVID-19 cases & the County moving to the orange tier.

City of Santa Rosa Reopens Some Public Counters Following County’s Entry to Orange Tier

The City of Santa Rosa continues to operate under limited conditions due to the current coronavirus public health crisis; but has expanded services and operations in some areas following Sonoma County’s entry into the orange tier earlier this month.

The fo...

Sonoma County Statement on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Pause

On behalf of the SoCo Dept. of Health Services, the County of Sonoma issued the following statement from Dr. Urmila Shende, the County’s Vaccine chief, concerning the FDA’s recommendation to “pause” the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Sonoma County Emergency Rental Assistance Program to Launch on April 19

The County of Sonoma will begin providing support to households impacted by COVID-19 through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) starting on April 19. The program will provide payment assistance for tenants who are behind on rent and utilities.

Sonoma County Welcomes Increase in COVID Vaccine Supply

Sonoma County has received a significant increase in COVID vaccines from the state, including a shipment of Johnson & Johnson doses specifically for the County’s effort to distribute the vaccine equitably to the most vulnerable communities.

Sonoma County to Move to Orange Tier on Wednesday, April 7

After just three weeks in the red tier within California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Sonoma County will move into the less restrictive orange tier beginning on Wednesday, April 7.

Sonoma County Supervisors Appeal to State for Additional Vaccines

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Saturday, 3/27, sent the following letter to state health leaders appealing for an increase in vaccines for Sonoma County "so that we can continue to support our community in an equitable and transparent way."

Sonoma County Reaches Another Milestone With 25 Percent Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

One in every four Sonoma County residents 16 years of age and older are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 282,000 vaccine doses have been administered to Sonoma County residents so far (as of 3/29/21).

County of Sonoma Launches Effort to Vaccinate Individuals Who Are Homebound for Medical Reasons

The County of Sonoma has arranged to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to adults 16 years of age and older who are homebound for a variety of medical reasons and have difficulty getting to a clinic.

State Expands Vaccine Eligibility to 50+ Californians Starting 4/1 and All Individuals 16+ on 4/15

The state is expanding vaccine eligibility to more Californians. Starting April 1, individuals aged 50+ will be eligible to make an appointment, and individuals 16+ will be eligible to make an appointment to be vaccinated starting on April 15.

Sonoma County, Santa Rosa Community Health Partner In Opening Roseland Vaccination Clinic

As part of a county objective to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to the most vulnerable and underserved communities, Sonoma County and Santa Rosa Community Health are partnering to open a new vaccination clinic in Roseland.

Bay Area Health Officers’ Statement About COVID-19 Vaccines

"As local health officers, we fully support all three currently available vaccines for COVID-19. All three vaccines are safe and have been shown to be highly effective at preventing symptomatic illness and hospitalization."

Sonoma County Schools Allowed to Reopen With Red Tier Status

The County of Sonoma and Sonoma County Office of Education announced that all schools serving grade levels from TK-12 are eligible to reopen for in-person instruction based on Sonoma County meeting the criteria for the less restrictive red tier.

COVID-19 Update - Sonoma County Moving to Red Tier

Sonoma County, including all of Santa Rosa, will be moving from the most restrictive purple tier for COVID-19 into the red tier beginning on Sunday, March 14 at 12:01 a.m.

Sonoma County Reaches 100,000 Vaccine-Dose Milestone, Shifts Priority to 65+ Beginning Monday, 2/22

Thanks to a multi-agency effort over the past two months, Sonoma County has now administered more than 100,000 vaccine doses to county residents, resulting in more than one in five residents over the age of 16 having received at least one dose.

When Vaccination is Your Destination Ride Fare-Free

Santa Rosa, CA – Santa Rosa CityBus, in coordination with Sonoma County Transit (SCT) and Petaluma Transit (PT), are now offering systemwide fare-free transit and paratransit transportation for any person traveling to or from a City/County COVID-...

Supervisors Strengthen Protections Regarding Evictions and Sick Leave During the Pandemic

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted two urgency ordinances to support Sonoma County residents who may have access to fewer resources during the pandemic.

Sonoma County Keeping Pace With Other California Counties in Rollout of Vaccinations

In partnership with health care providers, Sonoma County has now provided at least one dose of vaccine to 15% of adult population, including nearly 50% of residents 75 years and older, Supervisors and Department of Health Services leaders announced today.

Revised State Guidance Allows SoCo TK-6 Grades to Apply for In-Person Learning With Safety Plan

County of Sonoma & Sonoma County Office of Education announce that recent guidance under CA's Safe Schools for All Plan allows Sonoma County schools serving grade levels TK-6 to be eligible to return to in-person learning w/ approved COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Sonoma County to Open Three New Vaccination Centers

Three new vaccination centers will open within the next eight days in Sonoma County, serving residents 70 and older, bringing to 19 the number of clinics being supported this week by vaccines from the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services.

Board of Supervisors Approves Funding for Expanded Vaccination Plan

The Board of Supervisors recently approved the allocation of funds for the next phase of the County’s COVID-19 Vaccination Response plan, as laid out by the county Department of Health Services.

County of Sonoma Announces Plans to Vaccinate Those Age 70 and Older

On Friday, 2/5, the County of Sonoma announced plans to vaccinate those 70 and older starting Monday at county-supported clinics and Safeway pharmacies.

Reopening Sports, Gyms and Limited Services Safely in the Purple Tier

The state’s industry guidance page has been updated for three sectors: youth and adult recreational sports, gyms and fitness centers, and limited services.

One-on-one personal fitness training indoors is now permitted as long as they comply with ...

Sonoma County Reaffirms Commitment to Vaccinate Seniors 75 and Older

Sonoma County officials reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing the County’s most vulnerable population (those 75 and older) in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations by announcing new opportunities for seniors in this age group to schedule appointments

Sonoma County to be 1 of 4 California Counties to Take Part in OptumServe Pilot Vaccination Program

SANTA ROSA, CA – Sonoma County has been selected to be one of four counties in the state to take part in a pilot vaccination program through OptumServe, the company known for operating COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state.

Under the pilot program, O...

Sonoma County’s Regional Stay-Home Order Lifted

SANTA ROSA, CA – The California Department of Public Health today lifted the Regional Stay-Home Order for the 11-county Bay Area region, including Sonoma County, effective immediately. However, many counties, including Sonoma County, will remain in the pu...

Small Businesses May Apply for a COVID-19 Relief Grant Starting Dec. 30

On December 30, The State of California will open the application period for its announced allocation of $500 million for COVID-19 Relief Grant for Small Businesses, with grants of up to $25,000 to be distributed to underserved micro and small businesses....

Pfizer COVID vaccine arrives in Sonoma County

Two boxes of the vaccine, containing a total of 1,950 doses, arrived at the County’s Public Health Lab on Chanate Road shortly before 9 a.m. today. Three other boxes were taken directly to local hospitals. In all, the County received 4,875 doses.

Joint Statement of the Bay Area Health Officers

COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed following federal, state framework.

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order on Actions in Response to COVID-19

The order addresses a variety of issues in response to the pandemic, including extending the availability of housing for migrant agricultural workers, tax extensions for small businesses and updating Cal/OSHA requirements related to quarantine guidelines.

Governor Newsom Launches “Vaccinate All 58” Campaign based on Safety and Equity

Front-line health care workers and residents of long-term care settings first to be vaccinated as first COVID-19 vaccine shipments arrive in CA. Broad distribution to happen in months, with California prioritizing essential workers and the most vulnerable

Stay Home Order Effective at End of Day Friday (12/11)

Residents are directed to stay at home except for work, shopping, or other essential activities allowed by the State’s Regional Stay Home Order. All sectors other than retail and essential operations must be closed. Outdoor recreation will be allowed.

Governor Newsom Announces New Regional Stay-At-Home Order

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today, Thursday, December 3rd, a new regional-focused effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as well as assist hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. This Regional Stay at Home Order establishes fiv...

Governor Newsom Announces Immediate Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Assistance includes temporary tax relief to support businesses impacted by COVID-19, $500 million in new COVID-19 Relief Grant funding for small businesses, and an additional $12.5 million added to the California Rebuilding Fund.

County Expands Role of On the Move in Providing COVID-19 Community Assistance, Financial Support

The County of Sonoma has expanded eligibility criteria for emergency COVID-19 financial assistance and has allocated additional funding to local nonprofit On the Move for dissemination of financial support to local residents.

Sonoma County Issues Guidelines on Temporary Tents & Canopies for Outdoor Dining/Business Operations

In coordination with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, the Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association and Sonoma County Fire Prevention Officers Association today released guidelines for outdoor dining structures for meeting fire protection requ...

State Issues Limited Stay at Home Order to Slow Spread of COVID-19

This is the same as the March Stay at Home Order, applied only between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. each day and only in purple tier counties, which includes Sonoma and 40 other counties statewide. It will be in effect from November 21 through December 21.

Sonoma County Joins 8 Bay Area Counties with Recommendations for Safer Holidays

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services today joined health officers from eight Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley in issuing joint recommendations, including gatherings and travel. for staying safe during the holidays.

Safe Social Distancing Program Completed, Community Invited to Provide Input at Dec. 7 Meeting

Update (11.19.20)

Closure of the Safe Social Distancing Program (SSDP) in the parking lot at Finley Community Center is completed and a virtual community meeting is scheduled for December 7 to help evaluate the program. Established in May as a temporary me...

CARES Emergency Rental Assistance

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved CARES funding for short-term emergency rental assistance for low-income tenants and landlords. This funding could help approximately 930 Sonoma County households, depending on the amount of assistance needed...

Sonoma County Adopts Enhanced Program to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission & Supporting The Most Impacted

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously endorsed a suite of actions to support those most negatively impacted by the spread of coronavirus including those in low-income, essential worker and Latinx communities.

County Expands Testing Opportunities for Residents Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19

SANTA ROSA – The County of Sonoma is doubling the number of pop-up test sites available to the public beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20 and is encouraging residents, particularly those disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, to be tested regard...

Celebrate Halloween Safely with Rec & Parks

Sonoma County Public Health Officer has issued COVID-19 Halloween guidelines that align with State Guidance to help us celebrate safely this year. Traditional door to door trick-or-treating is discouraged, so Recreation & Parks has planned some fun (a...

County of Sonoma Provides Guidance for Safe Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Activities

With Halloween and Dia de los Muertos quickly approaching, residents reminded to plan ahead and celebrate safely by avoiding gatherings

City Playgrounds Open, Play It Safe – Follow Precautions!

City Playgrounds Open, Children and Adults Must Follow COVID-19 Precautions

Following September 28, 2020 guidance from the California Department of Public Health, the City of Santa Rosa has reopened all City playgrounds with requirements and precautions to...

Health Order Amendment

Sonoma County’s Health Officer, Dr. Sundari Mase, today (9/23) issued an amended health order to align the existing local health order with the state's revised framework for reopening. The amendment to the Stay Well Sonoma County Health...

Nail Services and Physician-Ordered Electrolysis Allowed to Reopen Indoors

Yesterday (9/22), nail services and physician-ordered electrolysis in Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, may open for business indoors with certain modifications.

Individuals operating or working at a nail or beauty salon, or offer pers...

Barber Shops, Hair Salons and Malls Allowed to Reopen in Sonoma County

As of Monday, August 31, barber shops, hair salons and malls in Sonoma County will be allowed to resume indoor operations with modifications. This is in response to the revised health orders issued by Governor Newson last Friday (August 28), and replaces ...

City to Restore Homeless Shelter Bed Capacity to Pre COVID-19 Levels

UPDATE (11/10/20)

Crews are making good progress in constructing an emergency shelter structure at Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter (SJH). The project will restore bed capacity at the City-owned homeless shelter to pre-COVID-19 levels while maintainin...

City Council Passes Local Urgency Ordinance

At the August 8, 2020 Santa Rosa City Council meeting, the Council approved an urgency ordinance authorizing administrative enforcement of the public health orders in Santa Rosa. The ordinance mirrors Sonoma County’s recently passed enforcement ...

Update on Efforts to Address Encampment at Fremont Park

Update 9/03/20

This week, the City’s Homeless Encampment Assistance Program (HEAP) led an operation to address the encampment in Fremont Park (also known as Cancer Survivors Park). Over the past several weeks, HEAP had been monitoring conditions ...

School of Rec: Distance Learning Camp & Care

No matter what school your child attends or their virtual classroom schedule, the School of Rec - Distance Learning Camp & Care is here to help you support your child during the COVID-19 distance learning challenge! This program provides a learning en...

Stay Safe Santa Rosa

The tail end of a summer unlike any other is upon us and the joys of autumn are coming soon. As you enjoy these last warm days and prepare for fall, please make health and safety your top priority. From dining outdoors to being active in our City parks, t...

Serving Santa Rosa During COVID-19

Even though most City of Santa Rosa facilities may be closed to the public, WATCH this short video and find out how City staff are working around the clock to maintain essential City services and identify new ways to provide services that protect your hea...

A Message from Mayor Tom Schwedhelm

An Important Message from Santa Rosa Mayor Tom Schwedhelm

We are flattening the curve by sheltering in place.It’s up to all of us to do our part.

Please WATCH this message from Santa Rosa Mayor, Tom Schwedhelm, as he discusses Sonoma County Health...

A Message from the Police Chief (3.30.20)

Santa Rosa Police Chief Rainer Navarro

SRPD employees have tested positive for the coronavirus

Chief Rainer Navarro provides an update about the Santa Rosa Police Department, including news that after testing a total of 107 employees: 92 employees tested ne...

Statewide Shelter-in-Place Order in Effect

On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newson issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of coronavirus. This order follows the Sonom...

Sonoma County Supervisors Announce Vaccination Rollout is Ramping Up

SANTA ROSA, CA – Sonoma County’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts are kicking into high gear with five clinics now activated throughout the County and at least two more planned for the coming weeks, Sonoma County supervisors announced today. Already nearly 24...

Dr. Urmila Shende Named as COVID-19 Vaccine Chief for Sonoma County

In her role as Vaccine Chief, Dr. Shende will be responsible for implementing the vaccine distribution strategy, coordinating vaccine administration, & interfacing with health care leaders & other stakeholders as part of the countywide vaccine response.

Sonoma County Partners with Safeway for Vaccination Clinics

Sonoma County has partnered with Safeway to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to County health workers and, eventually, the broader public.

Sonoma County’s Regional Stay-Home Order Extended

 State public health officials have extended a Stay-Home Order for the 11-county Bay Area region, including Sonoma County, due to rising cases of COVID-19, increasing hospitalizations and, specifically, low ICU capacity rates for the larger Bay A...

County of Sonoma Increases COVID-19 Testing Opportunities With Addition of New Sites & Mobile Events

The County of Sonoma continues to ramp up COVID-19 testing, particularly in the neighborhoods most impacted by the virus.