Sonoma County and California Virus Cases Up 16% Since June 1

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Sonoma County and state health officials are closely watching a 10 day rise in the number of reported coronavirus cases, looking for evidence that business reopening may be driving the increase.

Since June 1st, Sonoma County has reported 107 new cases within the county, bringing the total to 671. This is a 16 percent rise in that 10 day period. Statewide, cases have also jumped 16 percent in the last 10 days prompting some counties, including Sonoma, to slow reopening activities until the source of the new cases can be determined. Overall, with more than 32 thousand tests conducted in Sonoma County, the positive test rate stands at 2 percent.

Health officials fully expected new cases to occur as the state gradually reopens its business sectors, especially as the reopening comes at the same time as testing increases across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom says the state has a goal of conducting 60-80 thousand tests a day to help officials track new cases and determine the rate at which the state can return to normal.

In Sonoma County, health officer Dr. Sanduri Mase says any new businesses reopenings beyond what has already taken place will wait at least two weeks until local officials can determine the extent to which those activities are driving new coronavirus cases.

The county most recently allowed indoor dining, salons and faith services to resume their operations this past Saturday, and was recently approved for a variance from state guidelines to reopen its business sector more rapidly. However, local officials say the best course of action is to wait long enough for additional infections to be detected, in order to determine if new reopenings are warranted.