Sonoma County health officer provides final COVID community update

Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase today provided her final COVID-19 community update before stepping down at the end of this week after three years in her post. Her recorded message includes the latest numbers on COVID cases and vaccinations in Sonoma County and includes lessons learned during the past three years of the pandemic.

The update, which was recorded on April 5, can be seen on the county’s Facebook and YouTube page, as well as on SoCoEmergency.org.

During the height of the pandemic, Dr. Mase provided daily video updates. Those briefings became less frequent as the pandemic waned. Dr. Mase’s final update shows that Sonoma County has:

• The 9th highest vaccination rate in the state
• Twenty percent fewer cases per 100,000 residents than California overall
• Fifty-seven percent fewer deaths per 100,000 residents than California overall

“We have done really well in terms of vaccination, thanks to the community,” Dr. Mase said. “As a result of that and other interventions, Sonoma County has experienced fewer cases and deaths than California overall. That really is a testament to our county and the residents and shows how well we have been able to do during the pandemic.”

With COVID-19 becoming endemic, Dr. Mase recommends the following actions to keep Sonoma County residents safe:

• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
• Wear facial coverings in indoor, shared spaces
• Wash hands frequently
• Regularly clean and disinfect shared spaces
• Ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated
• Remain home if ill
• Make tests accessible

Dr. Mase is stepping down as Sonoma County’s health officer on April 7 to take a job with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, the deputy public health officer, will serve as the interim health officer while Sonoma County conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.

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Media Contact: 
Matt Brown, Communication Specialist 
Matt.Brown@Sonoma-County.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403