For non-urgent Sebastopol-specific questions, email your question to info@cityofsebastopol.org. For PG&E system-wide questions, visit pge.com.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency call 911.

The Shelter in Place Order requires that most people stay home unless they are engaged in certain “Essential Activities” which are discussed more below. For most people, this means you and those you live with should remain at home. You are allowed to leave your home for specified reasons to make sure you have the necessities of life such as getting food and medical supplies. You are also allowed to go outside to take care of pets, go on a walk, and just get outside, so long as you do not congregate in a group and maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people. If you are sick you should self-isolate, including, to the extent you can, from others you live with. 
 

The term “shelter in place” means to stay in your home and not leave unless necessary for one of the designated exceptions listed in the Order. Some reasons you would leave your home are to get food, to get a prescription, to see a doctor, to go to work if your work is essential as defined in this Order, to take your children to and from childcare that is authorized under this Order, and to help people you care for get the things they need to live and be healthy and safe.

 

• Sheltering in place is a more rigorous form of social distancing. Sheltering in place means staying home and only going out for “essential activities” or to work for an “essential business." The other principles of social distancing and mitigative hygiene will continue to apply whenever feasible. These include washing hands, using hand sanitizer, disinfecting surfaces, not going out if sick, and staying at least six feet away from others.

• No. You will continue to be able to purchase these items whenever you need them, as stores selling necessary items like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores will remain open. Please continue to buy normal quantities of these items on the same schedule you normally do. This will ensure that there is enough for everyone. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 

The Order went into effect immediately after midnight, starting at midnight, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
 

The original Shelter in Place  Order was set to last  until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. The current order extends  until 11:59 p.m. on May 3, 2020. The duration can be either shortened or extended by the County of Sonoma Public Health Officer. We want to be sure the Order is in place for only as long as necessary, and the Health Officer will be closely monitoring the situation every day in order to determine what adjustments make sense.

 

Yes. It was important to get this Order in place quickly given the spread of the virus in the Bay Area. However, it can and will be updated as conditions warrant. Please be sure to check the City website at CityOfSebastopol.org and the City’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor) regularly to learn about updates. We will also be sure to work with the media to share important updates and information.

Some form of the Shelter in Place Order is in effect in the entire State of California.

This Shelter in Place Order was issued by the Sonoma County Public Health Officer. It followed a similar order by of Health Officers of Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties, and preceded a similar order issued by Governor Gavin Newsom for the entire State of California.

Yes, it is mandatory. This is a legal Order issued under the authority of California law. You are required to comply, and it is a misdemeanor not to follow the Order (although the intent is not for anyone to get into trouble). Also, it is critical for everyone to follow the Order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect themselves, their loved ones, friends, neighbors and the whole community. All persons, businesses, and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Order.
 

The Shelter in Place Order is in place to address the ongoing spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the Bay Area. At this point in the global pandemic, the virus has a foothold in all the jurisdictions that issued this Order. There is substantial community transmission of the virus, which is easily spread between people. One big challenge in controlling the transmission of the virus is that many people who have it don’t have symptoms or have mild symptoms. But they can easily spread the virus even if they don’t feel very bad. And the virus lasts a long time on many surfaces (from hours to days). 
 
Unfortunately, this virus can cause severe symptoms in some people and can also be fatal. Some who get the virus, especially those over 60 years old, those who are immunocompromised, and those with various medical conditions can end up with serious complications that include fever, pneumonia, and even in some instances, death. 
 
There is no approved treatment or cure for COVID-19. That means that people who get very sick need medical intervention such as oxygen or help breathing. Because the virus spreads so easily, without dramatic intervention like this Order, it would result in so many people needing medical attention in a hospital setting that our hospitals will be overwhelmed. We may not have enough beds or equipment to adequately care for the most seriously ill. And our health care workers and other first responders are also at risk, and if they get sick there are fewer people to provide health care and first response services. 
 
For those reasons, it is critical that we now do everything in our power to slow down the spread of the virus. Doing so will help to “flatten the curve” to slow down the spread of the virus and help our health care system not be overwhelmed. If this succeeds, it means that there will be health care available for those who get sick with COVID-19 or who need emergency medical care for accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and other serious medical conditions. 
 
We all have to do our part now to protect everyone in the community. The best way to do that is to “socially isolate” yourself at home to avoid further spread of the virus.

The Shelter in Plac Order is being issued now because the infection rates in the seven most populous counties of the Bay Area suggest that the situation is critical and will worsen quickly, especially without rigorous intervention. Some jurisdictions believe their health care systems are overwhelmed or may start becoming overwhelmed in the next week. For those jurisdictions, the spread has to be slowed to the maximum extent possible. The sooner these extreme measures are taken, the more effective they are because of how the virus spreads.
 

The Public Health Officers in the seven largest counties in the Bay Area have been closely monitoring the rapidly accelerating situation with COVID-19 and it is clear that if we do not take very strong and aggressive action to slow down the spread of the disease, our hospitals and particularly our intensive care units will be overwhelmed with patients. We are taking this action to save the lives of people in our community, especially those who are particularly susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19, and are at heightened risk of severe illness or death if infected. The Order also protects everyone’s ability to seek emergency health care when needed by preventing health care facilities from being more overwhelmed than they already are.
 

The intent of the Shelter in Place Order is to ensure that people remain in their residences and minimize social interactions outside of their immediate family unit. However, you may leave your residence for reasons specified in the Order. These reasons include ensuring the health and safety of yourself and your family, engaging in outdoor activity that does not involve close contact with other people, obtaining services and supplies for yourself and your family, and to perform employment functions that are permissible under the Order.
 

No. For your safety as well as their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID19 by staying at home.
 

Yes. You will still be able to get mail and other deliveries at your home.
 

Yes, the Shelter in Plac Order identifies businesses that deliver goods or services directly to residences as “essential businesses” that may continue to operate.
 

Yes, but only for essential travel. These services can only be used for “essential activities,” to get to and from work to operate “essential businesses,” or to provide “essential governmental functions”. Also, being in close quarters in a vehicle that has been shared with many others should be avoided if possible. However, there may be circumstances when this mode of transportation is needed. In that instance do your best to take social distancing precautions, being sure to cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands before and after rides.
 

Yes, but public transit can only be used to perform “essential activities,” to get to and from work to operate “essential businesses,” or to maintain “essential governmental functions,” as those terms are defined in the Order. When using public transport, you should maintain at least six (6) feet distance from one another, including if you are on the bus or on trains. This is why it’s important to only take public transportation for essential activities – you want to help everyone be able to practice social distancing. Please check the websites of our local public transportation agencies to see status of these systems as they may be on reduced schedules. Sonoma County Transit (SCT), Sonoma Marin Transit (SMART Train), Golden Gate Transit.
 

Yes. Drug stores and other medical supply stores are allowed to operate. When possible, you should have the drug store deliver your prescription medicine to your home. 
 

The Shelter in Place Order specifically allows people to leave their home to buy food, purchase medicine, and purchase other necessary items. It also encourages businesses selling those items to remain open and allows employees of those businesses to keep working. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

You can still get your health needs addressed. You should contact your health care provider to see if they are providing regular services. Some services, especially elective procedures, may be postponed or canceled. If you are feeling sick, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you are having an actual emergency.
 

Generally you should postpone these if possible. If it can wait, then wait. Check with your provider of routine care for specific guidance. They may cancel services. You should not expose yourself or others by pursuing health care or maintenance care that can wait a few weeks.
 

If you are feeling sick, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center before going to the hospital. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you are having an actual emergency. But you can and should seek medical advice if you or a family member is sick. If it is not an emergency, please contact your primary care provider to determine next steps. Also, you can check online resources to help you assess symptoms if you are worried about whether you or a loved one has the COVID-19 virus. You should check https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for more information. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
 

Yes. Be sure that you protect them and you by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
 

Generally, no. For most situations, other existing Orders of the Health Officer addressing this emergency prohibit non-necessary visitation to these kinds of facilities. If you need to know more, please contact the facility you want to visit by phone before you visit to inquire about the status of visits. This is difficult, but it is necessary in order to protect hospital staff and other patients.
 

Please contact friends, family, or others you know who can provide support. They are permitted to pick up any of your needs. You can also order food and other supplies, and have it delivered to your home. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

No, “Essential Businesses” may stay open and their employees may leave home to go to work. 
For the purposes of the Shelter in Place Order, "Essential Businesses" means:

1. Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure;
2. Grocery stores, certified farmers' markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet food and supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-­ grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences. Farmer’s markets shall comply with CDPH Guidance regarding Retail Food, Beverage, and Other Related Service Venues issued March 16, 2020;
3. 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);
4. Businesses that are necessary to support agriculture, food, and beverage cultivation, processing, and distribution;
5. Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;
6. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;
7. Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities; 
8. Banks and related financial institutions;
9. Hardware stores;
10. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses;
11. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes;
12. Educational institutions- including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities-for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible;
13. Laundromats, drycleaners, and laundry service providers;
14. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for drive-thru, delivery, or carry out. Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members  of the public may continue to do so under this Order on the condition  that the food  is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and take-away basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site. Food trucks shall comply with CDPH Guidance regarding Retail Food, Beverage,  and Other Related Service Venues issued March 16, 2020;
15. Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home;
16. Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate;
17. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences;
18. Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Order;
19. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
20. Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children;
21. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities;
22. Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in this Order to work as permitted. Childcare facilities must operate under the following mandatory conditions:
    1. Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 12 or fewer ("stable" means that the same 12 or fewer children are in the same group each day).
    2. Children shall not change from one group to another.
    3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room. Groups shall not mix with each other.
    4. Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children.

You and your employees are allowed to perform “Minimum Basic Operations” on site at your work place, so long as employees maintain a distance of six feet from one another to the greatest extent feasible. Minimum Basic Operations include: i. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, or for related functions. ii. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences. Your employees can also work from home if their jobs are ones that can be performed remotely.
 

No, essential government functions will continue, including first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, and law enforcement. Other government functions or offices may be subject to reduced schedules or may be closed as part of the effort to fight the spread of COVID-19. See specific details on City Department office closures here:  
 

Government employees can continue to go to work if they are designated as essential employees by their employer. Each government entity is responsible for determining which of its workers are essential workers.
 

Many businesses are not permitted to operate under the Shelter in Place Order. Essential Businesses, as defined in the Order, are allowed (and encouraged) to continue operating. If your work is not an Essential Business, you are not permitted to go to work and your employer is not permitted to require you to attend except to complete Minimum Basic Operations, as that term is defined in the Order. You may work from home if your work permits.
 

The Shelter in Place Order requires that all schools stop holding classes at physical locations. However, schools may provide distance learning to their students. Employees of schools may go to work for the purpose of providing distance learning to their students. Schools can also continue to offer students free and reduced-price lunches, which many schools are doing.
 

No. However, most employees of such companies will need to work from home. Anyone who must work onsite to maintain “Essential Infrastructure” for the community or to maintain “Minimum Necessary Operations” as described in the Shelter in Place Order may continue to work in the workplace so long as they are maintaining social distancing.
 

No. The Shelter in Place Order specifically excludes all healthcare related functions, including not just hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers, but also all of the companies that supply them with goods and services.
 

If they provide essential services as described in the order, then yes they can and should continue providing those services. This would include non-profits operating food pantries, providing housing for homeless residents, and many other critical services. However, nonprofits that do not provide immediate essential services should suspend work or have employees work from home.
 

Yes, but only to perform “essential activities,” operate “essential businesses,” or to maintain “essential governmental functions,” as those terms are defined in the Order. Otherwise, the answer is no because that puts you and others in the community at risk.
 

Yes.
 

Yes, you can leave for the purpose of returning home.
 

If you work for an Essential Business, as described in the Shelter in Place Order, you can and should continue to work. Certain employers, schools, and community organizations will be providing childcare for employees of essential businesses.
 

No. For your safety as well as the safety of your fellow worshippers, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. But places of worship can offer remote access to services, such as by emails, video streaming, or teleconference.
 

If you will be both outdoors and not in close contact with other people, yes. Otherwise, no. Fitness and exercise gyms are not permitted to operate. Sonoma County’s public health officer has issued and amended a local parks closure order to allow limited, non-vehicular access to some parks close to home for walking, hiking, jogging, bicycling and fishing. Driving to a park is not allowed. 

Beaches, parking lots, playgrounds, restrooms, sports courts, picnic areas, dog parks, campgrounds and other park facilities remain closed until further notice. Check with your local park agency for more information about the status of parks near your home. 

 

Yes, with some restrictions. Spending time outside improves mood and wellbeing and is particularly beneficial to children. You can go for walks and engage in other similar activities in your neighborhood, but should maintain social distance (i.e. be more than six feet away from persons who are not part of your household) when on walks to avoid spread of the virus. All parks and playgrounds are closed.
 

You are permitted to provide care or to help out with getting supplies for loved ones, even if they do not live in your household. But do not provide care or pick up supplies if you are sick and someone else can help them. If you are sick, please try to self-isolate or take other steps not to expose anyone else to your illness.
 

Yes. This also includes medical supplies at a pharmacy, essential home maintenance supplies at a hardware store, or office supplies for your home business or work. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

Yes. Grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and similar food retail establishments are encouraged to remain open to provide food and pet supplies to the public. When visiting these establishments, please help retailers maintain at least six feet minimum distance between patrons, including by providing ample space while shopping and waiting in line. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

Yes.
 

Follow the best practices for allowable food facility operations included in the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance on this issue: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Coronavirus%20Disease%202019%20and%20Food%20Industry.pdf​
 
As events change, consult the state site for updated guidance: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx
 

Yes. You can shop for anything that is related to health care, office supplies, and hardware supplies, and other necessary items. But you should minimize unnecessary trips and practice social distancing.  The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

Yes
 

Yes.
 

Yes, you can go to the bank. But you should minimize unnecessary trips, and check with your bank to make sure that they are open. Many have reduced their hours. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses, including banks, that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

Yes.
 

The best way to reduce their risk of getting sick, as with seasonal colds or the flu, still applies to prevent COVID-19: 
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible. 
• Stay home if you are sick. 
• Avoid touching your face. 
• Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands) 
• Avoid groups (stay at least six feet away from others) 
• Reduce the time you are around others, even when at least six feet away.
 

At least six feet, which is appropriately two to three steps away, including if you are on the bus or train.  
 

You should still try to maintain at least six feet between you and others. When that isn’t possible for short periods, do your best to keep the duration short. And be sure when in line you don’t sneeze or cough onto people. If needed, cough or sneeze into your shirt or into an elbow with clothing on
 

Yes. “Essential Infrastructure” includes, but is not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services).
 

Yes. healthcare operations including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, mental health providers, or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services. “Healthcare Operations” also include veterinary care and all healthcare services provided to animals, but does not include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities.
 

No. Entertainment venues like these are not permitted to be open during the Shelter in Place Order.
 

Yes, but only to pick up food. You cannot dine in or eat or drink at the facility. Patrons will not be permitted to dine or congregate in restaurants, bars, and similar establishments. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food to the public are encouraged to stay open, but only to provide delivery and carry out. Patrons will not be permitted to dine or congregate in restaurants, bars, and similar establishments. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

Restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and similar establishments may remain open to supply meals to the public via delivery and carryout. You can also purchase prepared foods at grocery stores, supermarkets, certified farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and other such food retailers. The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma West Times & News maintain lists of local businesses that have said that they are open, but please call businesses first as this information changes frequently. 
 

Schools, soup kitchens, food banks, and other entities that provide free or reduced priced food goods or meals to students or other members of the public are encouraged to continue providing these services. However, food provided by these establishments to the public may not be eaten on the premises but must instead be delivered or taken away for consumption.
 

No. Gyms and health clubs are not permitted to operate under the Shelter in Place Order.
 

Yes. Be sure that you distance yourself at least six feet from others.
 

Yes. Please call first to determine if the vet has any restrictions in place.
 

Call your plumber or building manager. The Shelter in Place Order allows service providers like plumbers, electricians, and exterminators to keep working and providing their services to the public. To obtain supplies for a DIY solution, you can also visit your hardware store, which is allowed to stay open under this Order.
 

Yes.
 

Unless your work is exempted in the Shelter in Place Order, you cannot go to work at a physical location under the Shelter in Place order. You may work from home for any business if your employer allows it.
 

This is a legally enforceable order issued under California law. It is a crime to violate the Shelter in Place Order, and you may be punished by a fine or imprisonment for doing so.
 

Yes. Deliveries can continue to be sent to people’s homes, and you may adjust your business model accordingly while this Order is in place.
 

Sonoma County’s public health officer has issued and amended a local parks closure order to allow limited, non-vehicular access to some parks close to home for walking, hiking, jogging, bicycling and fishing. Playgrounds and other park facilities remain closed until further notice. The Shelter in Place Order allows you to engage in outdoor activities, provided that you maintain adequate social distancing.

You are subject to the same restrictions for travel as individuals currently in the County of Sonoma. You may travel into the City to perform “essential activities,” work to operate “essential businesses,” or maintain “essential governmental functions” as those terms are defined in the Order.
 

Individuals experiencing homelessness are exempt from the Shelter in Place Order, but are strongly urged to obtain shelter, and governmental and other entities are strongly urged to make such shelter available as soon as possible and to the maximum extent practicable (and to utilize Social Distancing Requirements in their operation).
 

The Economic Development Board of Sonoma County has created a web page with resources for business owner and employee next steps.

There are a number of changes and clarifications. Please see them here.

There are many options for seniors to obtain food while limiting exposure to COVID-19. Select grocery stores are offering deliveries, pick-ups or senior hours, and there are meal services such as senior dining sites (pick-up only) and meals on wheels home deliveries to help ensure food is delivered to residents at higher risk of getting very sick. Learn more here.

First, try speaking directly with a supervisor at the store. We live in a small community. In most cases, you may even know the store manager or owner. If you aren’t able to do that, or that approach isn’t successful, call the Sebastopol Police Department at their non-emergency number:  (707) 829-4400.
 

Many stores have offered that store employees will shop for you if you are having trouble navigating the store for whatever reason. Speak with your store to see if this is something they offer.
 

If you need to report what you believe to be a violation, please call the Sebastopol Police Department at their non-emergency number:  (707) 829-4400. The Police Department is the city’s first line of defense. Only they can make a determination of violation. If warranted, an officer will first speak with the alleged violator and offer guidance on adhering to best practices. They also have access to additional enforcement resources from the county. 
If you are looking for answers to general coronavirus-related questions or help with essential services, 211 provides free referrals for the County of Sonoma.
 

All regular rules, regulations, and laws are continuing to be enforced. The City has placed, and is maintaining, hand washing stations and public toilets throughout the city to help keep the entire community healthy. 

The City takes its direction directly from the Sonoma County Health Official. As of April 17, 2020, face coverings (not masks) are mandatory for all community members when going out in public. The City is not providing face coverings as these are simple and inexpensive (or free) to put together from materials that people have at home. Here is a link to information from the Health Official on the Order and acceptable face coverings.
 

Sonoma County’s public health officer has issued and amended a local parks closure order to allow limited, non-vehicular access to some parks close to home for walking, hiking, jogging, bicycling and fishing. The order is effective April 29, 2020 and amends a March 23, 2020 order closing all parks in Sonoma County to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The order is in effect until further notice.
 

The amended order allows you to walk or bike from your home to nearby parks. Driving to a park is not allowed. The intent is to increase your options for basic outdoor exercise while you shelter near home. At this time, you can visit parks and trails near your home for walking, hiking, jogging, biking and fishing only. You must stay at least 6 feet from people who are not members of your household. You must carry a facial covering and wear the covering when you cannot maintain that distance. 

Beaches, parking lots, playgrounds, restrooms, sports courts, picnic areas, dog parks, campgrounds and other park facilities remain closed until further notice. Check with your local park agency for more information about the status of parks near your home. 

 

Driving is restricted to reduce the potential for crowding and to support Sonoma County’s shelter-in-place mandate. When we began sheltering in place, record numbers of visitors continued to travel to parks. Crowding made social distancing difficult, violated the intent of the shelter directive and resulted in the closure of all Sonoma County parks. This amended order restores some parks access while reducing the likelihood of crowding. 
 

Parking lots are closed, and many off-site parking areas are temporarily restricted. If you drive to a location near a park and walk to the park from there, you will violate the order and could be cited and fined.
 

If you do not live near a park or trail, the county’s shelter-in-place order allows you to walk, jog and bike on your neighborhood streets and to engage in home-based outdoor activities like gardening.  Schools within walking or biking distance of your home might allow public access for exercise. Please comply with any posted rules about public use.
 

Vehicle access will be allowed when longer and more frequent park visits pose less risk of virus transmission. Sonoma County’s health officer will make that decision with park managers, to ensure vehicle access will not result in crowding and unsafe conditions. 
 

If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to access a park near your home during this period of limited opening, please contact your local parks department (or 2-1-1, if not known) to coordinate vehicular access and disabled parking at particular parks. To coordinate disabled access at a Sonoma County Regional Park, call (707) 565-2041.
 

Sonoma Coast beaches remain closed to all users. Beach parks are destinations that continue to draw visitors from across the region. They remain closed due to the potential for crowding and because local public safety agencies have limited resources to enforce restricted access along the coastline. Coastal residents are asked to exercise in their neighborhoods and at their homes instead of on nearby beaches. 
 

Russian River parks are open to residents who can walk or bike to the parks from their homes. The parks are open for walking, hiking, jogging, biking and fishing only. Swimming, boating, picnicking and sunbathing are not allowed. Beach parking lots are closed, and neighborhood parking rules are enforced. 
 

You must carry a face covering when you are in a park, and you must comply with the Sonoma County health officer’s order regarding face coverings. That order requires you to wear a face covering outdoors when you are unable to stay 6 feet from others, such as when passing on a trail. This applies to all users, whether walking, hiking, jogging, biking or fishing.
 

Class 1 multi-use trails like the Joe Rodota, Santa Rosa Creek and West County trails (paved paths separated from roads) are open to cyclists as well as pedestrians. The March 23 parks closure order temporarily prohibited cycling on Class 1 trails.  
 

Recreational fishing is permitted only in open parks that allow fishing. You must walk or bike to the park from your home. Parking lots are closed, and you cannot drive to a park to fish unless you have arranged for disabled access with your parks department. Boat launches, marinas and Sonoma Coast beaches all are closed to recreational fishing at this time.
 

Shared and group recreational facilities such as athletic courts and playing fields remain closed at this time. Singles matches of tennis, pickleball, disc golf, etc. are not allowed.
 

Some school grounds function as public parks when school is not in session. Schools within walking or biking distance of your home might allow public access for exercise. Please comply with any posted rules about public use.
 

Golf courses remain closed for golfing, but golf course operators can open paths and trails for walking, jogging, hiking and bicycling. 
 

You can call the non-emergency number of your police department if you live within a city or the non-emergency number of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office if you live in an unincorporated area. 
 

Equestrians can ride from their homes to nearby open parks that allow horseback riding.