**Sonoma County Implements Mask Mandate Amid Rising COVID-19 Concerns**
A county in California’s wine country is strengthening its vaccine recommendations and instituting a mask mandate due to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 coinciding with the start of the annual flu season.
The Sonoma County Department of Public Health’s Interim Health Officer, Dr. Karen Smith, issued an order on Monday requiring anyone entering certain healthcare facilities in the county to wear a mask.
Facilities covered under the order include:
– Skilled nursing facilities
– Portions of long-term care facilities where nursing care is provided
– Acute and non-acute rehabilitation facilities
– Infusion centers
– Dialysis centers
According to Dr. Smith, “The rationale behind this order is to protect the most vulnerable populations.”
In related news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently approved a new recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that removes the prior guidance recommending COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 65 and older.
The CDC also advised that individuals aged 6 months to 64 years should consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about whether or not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mask-mandates-return-wealthy-blue-state-county-leaders-cite-risk-covid-up-vaccine-recommendations