Face Coverings Now Mandatory in Sonoma County: How to Comply

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If you’re leaving your home for shopping or recreation in Sonoma County, you’ll need to make sure you have a mask or other face covering beginning today.

Public Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase, joining others across the Bay Area, issued an order effective Friday that all residents must use face coverings in enclosed locations, and outdoor spaces when 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained. That means face coverings are mandatory in grocery stores, hardware stores, and other places of business, as well as outdoors in more crowded settings.

In addition, employers are also required to provide face coverings to all workers, as well as have a plan to insure proper social distancing.

Sonoma County is not the only place where face coverings are now mandatory. Many states in the eastern U.S. along with most of California now have similar restrictions in place, or will soon. Sonoma County’s order says the face coverings need not be a medical grade mask, in fact those should be reserved for first responders and medical workers, unless you already have them in your home.

Science Behind Face Coverings

The new orders are being driven by a number of recent studies showing that 25% or more of those infected with the coronavirus are largely asymptomatic but still able to spread the virus, and also that those infected are often contagious for 2 or more days before they show symptoms. Other research has suggested that those recovering from the virus may still be “shedding” the virus for days after symptoms clear up. So face coverings are a way to protect yourself, and others.

Need to Make Your Own Face Covering?

Dozens of online sites now offer instructions on how to make your own face covering, ranging from using a cotton t-shirt, to more elaborate plans that use HEPA furnace filters to make near medical grade filtering masks. Most call for at least two layers of cotton fabric, and some include space for a removable filter. Simply search “DIY Face Coverings” for ideas and videos.