Sonoma County will soon require COVID-19 tests for people who are about to be incarcerated.
A new health order designed to lower the spread of COVID-19 in county detention facilities will require all people incarcerated in jails and juvenile hall to get tested for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, when entering any county facility.
Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase issued the order on Tuesday, which goes into effect on Oct. 1.
A person who tests positive will be isolated based on the isolation protocols of their detention facility.
The Sonoma County Jail has experienced multiple outbreaks since the COVID-19 pandemic began, including one in July that infected 45 inmates and six jail staff. Last week, a 40-year-old lieutenant died of COVID-19. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office did not say whether the officer was vaccinated.
"Detention facilities are particularly high-risk congregate settings because of close quarters," Dr. Mase said Tuesday in a release. "Inmates are exposed to many different staff and volunteers while in jail and may be required to move among different living modules, thereby increasing the possibility of COVID-19 transmission."
Sonoma County health officials and Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick worked together on the health order. All Sonoma County law enforcement personnel were required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination on Sept. 1, or submit to weekly testing.
"We know that COVID can spread quickly in congregate living facilities, including jails," Sheriff Essick said. "Detention staff has been conducting voluntarily COVID testing for inmates when they arrive at our jail. This health order is an effective tool to ensure all inmates are tested."
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