SANTA ROSA, CA – The Sonoma County Health Officer has issued a Health Order directing residents to shelter in place effective midnight on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

This recent Order comes after the County received two additional cases of local transmission from coronavirus (COVID-19) yesterday, and two cases over the past weekend.

All individuals currently living within the County are ordered to shelter at their homes. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence.

This Health Order will be in place for three weeks until April 7, 2020. The Health Order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most basic and essential needs.

The guidance comes after substantial input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and from international health experts.

Social distancing is scientifically-proven to be one of the most effective methods to slow the transmission of communicable disease, such as COVID-19.

“In light of the recent cases of local transmission of COVID-19 in the County, we are taking proactive action to curtail the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma County Interim Health Officer.

“We urge our residents not to panic, however, please take this Order seriously, as COVID-19 is a real threat to our community at this time. Please adhere to the social distancing of six feet from another person as well as continue to maintain good hygiene practices.”

Please Remember

·                     Keep a distance of at least six feet away from another person

·                     Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

·                     Refrain from touching your face

·                     Use hand sanitizer

·                     Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands)

·                     Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands

This Order was issued in response to the six cases of COVID-19 in the County, as well as at least 258 confirmed cases and at least three deaths in the seven Bay Area jurisdictions who also jointly issued similar health orders yesterday.

This also comes in response to the significant and increasing number of suspected cases of community transmission and likely further significant increases in transmission. The order defines essential activities as necessary for the health and safety for individuals and their families.

Essential businesses are those that provide food, shelter, social services and homeless services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals; fresh and non-perishable food retailers (including convenience stores); pharmacies; child care facilities; gas stations; banks; laundry businesses and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of a residence.

Health care operations are also essential businesses and include hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, licensed cannabis businesses, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home health care services providers, mental health providers, or any related and/or ancillary health care services. 

Health care operations also includes veterinary care and all health care services provided to animals. This does not include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities. Licensed cannabis retail facilities/dispensaries shall operate only for the purpose of providing medical cannabis, and only via curbside pickup or delivery.

Essential businesses also include: agriculture, food, and beverage cultivation, processing, and distribution, including but not limited to, farming, ranching, fishing, dairies, creameries, wineries and breweries in order to preserve inventory and production (not for retail business);

In addition, health care, law and safety, and essential government functions will continue under the recommended action.

Campgrounds, hotels and motels are considered shelters and therefore an essential service and will remain open.

The goal is to limit groups congregating together in a way that could further spread the coronavirus.

This Order comes days after Governor Gavin Newsom ordered adults, age 65 and older, to remain at home.

The violation of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat to public health and will be enforced by law enforcement.

The Health Officer will continue to assess the quickly evolving situation and may modify or extend this Order, or issue additional Orders, related to COVID-19.

Official information on the coronavirus can be found at SoCoEmergency.org. For additional questions, call 2-1-1 to reach the 2-1-1 Sonoma Information & Resource Hotline.

**Versiòn en Español abajò**

For Immediate Release:

On Friday, March 15, 2020, Rohnert Park Mayor, Joe Callinan, issued the following statement:

”A Rohnert Park Health Center employee has tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The employee is in self-quarantine. The Health Center is identifying and notifying anyone who might have come in close contact with them, including patients and staff. We applaud the Rohnert Park Health Center for being forthright and transparent in sharing this information in a timely manner. Another individual associated with the patient has Coronavirus test results that are pending; this person is also self-quarantined and without symptoms.

“On behalf of the City of Rohnert Park, we want to share our concern and send our good thoughts to the employee who tested positive and to their family. Our concern extends to all who may have had contact with the employee as well as our entire community. 

“To reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, we encourage all residents to follow the guidance provided by health authorities. This includes frequent hand-washing, social distancing, and staying home when you feel sick. For additional suggestions and information, please go to www.socoemergency.org” or dial 211 for more information or assistance.”

Prior to our knowledge of this case and following the direction of the County Health Officer, the City of Rohnert Park yesterday, March 13, suspended all recreation classes, activities, and programs. This includes all private rentals of City facilities and performances at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center. We have closed the following City facilities until further notice:

• Rohnert Park Community Center
• Rohnert Park Senior Center
• Callinan Sports and Fitness Center
• Honeybee Pool
• Gold Ridge Recreation Building
• Burton Avenue Recreation Center
• Ladybug Recreation Building

Visit www.rpcity.org/PreventTheSpread for closure updates.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

707-565-3040

Key reporter: Tyler Silvy from the Press Democrat

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Declaración del Alcalde Joe Callinan Sobre el Coronavirus en Rohnert Park Rohnert Park, CA Marzo 15 10 a.m.–

“Un empleado del Centro de Salud Rohnert Park ha dado positivo por un nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19). El empleado está en cuarentena. El Centro de Salud está identificando y notificando a cualquier persona que pueda haber estado en contacto cercano con ellos, incluidos los pacientes y el personal. Aplaudimos al Rohnert Park Health Center por ser franco y transparente al compartir esta información de manera oportuna. Otro individuo asociado con el paciente tiene resultados de prueba de Coronavirus que están pendientes; esta persona también está en cuarentena y sin síntomas”. 

“En nombre de la ciudad de Rohnert Park, queremos compartir nuestra preocupación y enviar nuestros buenos pensamientos al empleado que dio positivo y a su familia. Nuestra preocupación se extiende a todos los que pudieron haber tenido contacto con el empleado, así como a toda nuestra comunidad”. 

“Para reducir la propagación del Coronavirus, alentamos a todos los residentes a seguir la guía proporcionada por las autoridades de salud. Esto incluye lavarse las manos con frecuencia, distanciarse socialmente y quedarse en casa cuando se siente enfermo. Para sugerencias e información adicional, visite www.socoemergency.org "o marque 211 para obtener más información o asistencia”. 

Antes de nuestro conocimiento de este caso y siguiendo las instrucciones del Oficial de Salud del Condado, la ciudad de Rohnert Park ayer, 13 de marzo, suspendió todas las clases, actividades y programas de recreación. Esto incluye todos los alquileres privados de instalaciones y actuaciones de la Ciudad en el Centro de Artes Escénicas Spreckels. Hemos cerrado las siguientes instalaciones de la ciudad hasta nuevo aviso: 

• Centro comunitario de Rohnert Park
• Centro para personas mayores de Rohnert Park
• Centro deportivo y de fitness Callinan
• Piscina Honeybee
• Edificio de recreación Gold Ridge
• Centro de recreación Burton Avenue
• Edificio de recreación Ladybug