Mask mandates return to blue state county, leaders cite ‘greater risk’ from COVID

A county in California’s wine country is strengthening its vaccine recommendations and instituting a mask mandate, citing a “higher risk” of contracting COVID-19 at the start of the annual flu season.

Dr. Karen Smith, interim health officer for the Sonoma County Department of Public Health, issued an order Monday requiring anyone entering certain health care facilities in the county to wear a mask. Facilities subject to 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 and dialysis centers, according to the order.

“The reason behind this order is to protect the most vulnerable populations (such as seniors and cancer patients) and to try to prevent medical personnel from getting sick and creating staffing issues in facilities,” a spokesperson for the Sonoma County Department of Health told Fox News Digital.

NEW STRAIN OF VIRUS INCREASED IN 9 US STATES WITH SYMPTOMS FROM BRAIN FOG TO PERSISTENT COUGH

A sign outside a business was seen asking customers to wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images)

The mask mandate will apply from November 1 to March 31, 2026, and the order states that Smith may expand the type of facilities subject to it as needed. Additionally, this requirement will be implemented annually unless otherwise waived.

The order provides certain exemptions, including for anyone “with a diagnosed health condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering.” Hearing-impaired people who must see the mouth to communicate are also exempt, as is anyone else who local, state or federal regulators believe could be harmed by wearing one.

A mask mandate in Sonoma County will run from November 1 to March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

The order also dictates which masks must be worn. A surgical mask, KN95, KF94, or N95 respirator are acceptable, but more informal masks, such as a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, cloth mask, or “any mask with an unfiltered one-way exhaust valve,” will not meet the requirements of the order.

BIDEN ADMINISTRATOR PLACED SOME AMERICANS WHO RESISTED MASK MANDATES OR WERE INVOLVED ON JANUARY 6 ON THE SEVERE NO-FLY LIST: TSA

Coinciding with Sonoma County’s mask mandate, Smith also issued stricter guidelines regarding COVID-19 and flu vaccines, telling the public they are strongly recommended for anyone 6 months and older. She also recommended that vaccinated and unvaccinated people wear masks in indoor public spaces when the risk of COVID flu is high.

Smith’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, and even his mask mandate to protect older populations, contradict guidance from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

HHS Secretary RFK Jr testifies before the House Appropriations Committee on May 14, 2025, and a close-up of a COVID vaccine injection is seen in the opposite panel. (Getty Images)

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved a new recommendation from HHS that removes the recommendation that adults 65 and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. The CDC also approved recommending that people aged 6 months to 64 years old talk with their doctor before deciding whether to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Meanwhile, Kennedy and HHS also narrowed the scope of approval of new COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to a series of other measures focused on “science, safety and common sense.”