COVID-19 Status Update – Health Officials Encourage Vaccination & Masking Indoors due to Increase in Infections, Rapid Tests, Rental & Utility Assistance

Posted on July 22, 2021


Covid 19 Status Update, July 22

Para traducir esta página, desplácese hasta el final, haga clic en “Translate”, y seleccione su idioma.

Case Rates & Hospitalizations on the Rise

Sonoma County saw an increase in cases this week, the County’s adjusted case rate increased this week to  8.0 new daily cases per 100,000 (up from 5.8), a test positivity rate of 3.9 percent (up from 3.3 ), and an equity metric positivity rate of 4.6 percent (down from 6.4).

In addition, 48 COVID patients were in the Sonoma County hospitals, up from 12 a month ago. County Health officials say this increase in cases and hospitalizations coincide with the arrival of the Delta variant. Younger, unvaccinated residents now account for the majority of new cases in the county. Dr. Sundari Mase, the County’s health officer, says residents who are fully vaccinated have very little to worry about. Those who are not vaccinated are putting themselves and others at risk, particularly given how contagious the Delta variant is.

Early in the pandemic, most hospitalizations from COVID were the elderly. That is not the case now because 94 percent of county residents over the age of 70 have received at least one dose and 85 percent are fully vaccinated. More than three-quarters of residents between the ages of 55 and 69 are fully vaccinated. County Health officials say cases and hospitalizations are now rising among younger, unvaccinated residents.

Health officials strongly urge everyone who isn’t vaccinated to get a shot and out of an abundance of caution, people are recommended to wear masks indoors in settings like grocery or retail stores, theaters, and family entertainment centers, even if they are fully vaccinated as an added layer of protection for unvaccinated residents.


It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated! Find a Vaccine Clinic Today

As of this week, 69 percent of our 12 and older population is now fully vaccinated, while 77 percent has received at least one dose. Vaccine appointments are plentiful, and anyone 12 years or older who wants one can get an appointment at one of the many clinics, pharmacies or health centers in the County — often the same day. Many are also accepting walk-in patients. Just go to MyTurn.ca.gov to find an appointment that works for you and find a list of local clinics on the Sonoma Valley Health Partner Website.


COVID-19 Vaccine Youth Survey

Are you (or a loved one) between ages 12 and 24 years old? The County of Sonoma wants to hear from you! It only takes three minutes to confidentially share your opinions on COVID-19 vaccinations, which will help better serve the community’s needs. This brief survey also provides an opportunity to have health professionals answer some of your questions!

Take the survey now at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GRR9BHB


Testing Opportunities – Rapid Antigen Tests Now Available at all Department of Health Services Testing Sites

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) is now offering BinaxNOW “rapid” antigen testing at all DHS testing sites. The tests enable those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to get preliminary results indicating their COVID-19 status in just 15 minutes.

Residents can get PCR and “rapid” tests at eight Santa Rosa DHS testing locations. All sites are open from 9:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted or you can make an appointment at sonomacounty.fullslate.com. No identification or insurance is necessary.

Testing is also available with Molecular Matrix and LHI:

  • Molecular Matrix: Make an appointment at the Molecular Matrix website. You will receive your results the next day and there is no out-of-pocket cost. If you are uninsured write “Uninsured” under “Health Care Provider” when you schedule an appointment.
  • LHI: The LHI bus will be at the Rohnert Park Community Center at 5401 Snyder Lane Tuesday through Thursday and at Rohnert Park City Center Plaza at 6260 State Farm Drive on Fridays and Saturdays. These clinics are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted or appointments can be made at https://lhi.care/covidtesting.

A hotline is available to help residents sort through their many testing options at 707-565-4667 in Spanish and English. Residents can also connect those who are confirmed to have the virus with resources and information.


Need help paying rent or utilities? Apply for EARP today.

Do you need help paying rent or utility bills? You may be eligible for financial assistance through the County of Sonoma Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) – start an application online or call 2-1-1 for assistance. Download the flyer in English and Spanish for more information.
Don’t qualify for ERAP but need payment assistance? Call La Luz Center (707) 938- 5131 or Petaluma People Services (707) 765-8488
Close window