What is ‘essential’? Sonoma Valley residents get their questions answered

Ever since Sonoma County Health Officer Sundari Mase on March 18 announced the start of a shelter-in-place order for Sonoma Valley residents, as well as the rest of the county, questions have been asked as to what are 'essential activities' that allow some to move freely beyond their homes. Those questions and more are answered below, culled from materials provided by the county.

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What does the order actually mean in lay terms?

For most people, this means that you and the people 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 to 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, from others you live with.

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What does it mean to 'shelter-in-place'?

It means that everyone should stay home to slow the spread of the virus. You should limit your movements to essential outings. Some reasons you would leave your home are to get food, to get a prescription, to see a doctor, to go to an 'essential' workplace and to help people you care for get the things they need to live and be healthy and safe.

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What happens if I don't comply?

This order 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 punishable by fine, imprisonment or both (although the intent is not for anyone to get in trouble).

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Can I go visit family?

No. For your safety as well as their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home.

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What kind of businesses are considered essential?

Healthcare operations and essential infrastructure; grocery stores, certified farmers markets, supermarkets, agriculture and businesses that are necessary to support agriculture; businesses that provide necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals; newspapers, television, radio and other media; gas stations, auto supply and repair; banks and related financial institutions; hardware stores; plumbers, electricians, exterminators; businesses that support or provide essential infrastructure; mailing and shipping services; educational institutions; laundromats and dry cleaners; restaurants, but only for drive-through, delivery or carry out; businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home; businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences; airlines, taxis and other private transportation providers; home-based care or residential facilities for seniors, adults, or children; professional services, such as legal or accounting services; and childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in the order to work as permitted.

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What about first responders?

All first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement are exempt from the order.

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Can I still seek non-essential medical care like eye exams, teeth cleaning, elective procedures?

Generally, you should postpone these if possible. You should not expose yourself or others for health care or maintenance care that can wait a few weeks.

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What do I do if I need to obtain medical cannabis?

Licensed cannabis businesses will remain open, but operate only for the purpose of providing medical cannabis and only via curbside pickup or delivery.

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Should I stock up on food, necessities like toilet paper and on medicines?

No. You will continue to be able to purchase these items whenever you need them.

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Can I still get mail and deliveries?

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

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Are nonprofit organizations allowed to continue operating?

If they provide essential services, then yes they can and should continue providing those services. This would include nonprofits operating food pantries, providing housing for homeless residents, and many other critical services.

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Can I leave home to go to my church, synagogue or mosque?

No, but places of worship may offer remote access to services, such as by emails, video streaming or teleconference.

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Can I leave home to exercise?

If you will be outdoors and not in close contact with other people, yes. Otherwise, no. Fitness centers, exercise gyms, recreational centers, golf courses, and public pools are not permitted to operate.

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If I'm outside the county or state traveling for vacation or business, am I allowed to come home?

Yes. The order permits you to return home.

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Is clean up and remediation of a parcel burned in a wildfire allowed under the health order?

Yes, this activity falls within the order's exemption allowing work necessary to the operation and maintenance of essential infrastructure.

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Can wineries, breweries, and other businesses ship products retail and wholesale?

Yes and they can offer customers and club members purchase by appointment if social distancing and other protective measures are maintained.

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Can landscape contractors and pool maintenance workers continue to work?

EDITED: This is a matter of some debate because, as of press time, the county site contradicts state guidelines. We will clarify when further information becomes available.

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Can professional housecleaners continue to work?

No, unless it is a service necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, essential activities and essential businesses. Routine housecleaning does not fall into this category.

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What about dog-walking?

Dog owners can walk their dogs. Professional dog walkers should not be operating.

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Can general construction activities continue with social distancing?

Only construction for safety, sanitation, or operation of residences, health care facilities, or other essential business.

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Can domestic workers (housecleaners, nannies, family day care, etc.) continue to work?

Home-based care for seniors, adults or children is allowed. A live-out nanny may only come into the home to care for children of working parents if both parents are essential workers.

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My employer is not considered an essential business but is staying open and forcing us to use PTO/sick time. What should I do?

If your work is not an essential business you are not allowed to go to work and your employer is not allowed to require you. You may work from home if your work allows.

If you think your employer is violating your rights as an employee, visit dir.ca.gov.

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Can support groups such as NA and AA continue to operate?

Group counseling meetings such as NA and AA must occur via teleconference or videoconference. In-person meetings are not allowed under the order.

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Can short-term rentals and hotels operate, not for tourism?

Short term rentals and hotels may only operate as an essential business if they provide shelter for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, including individuals needing housing to ensure adequate social distancing, or housing needed for essential businesses to operate (i.e. housing traveling nurses).

For more specifics, visit socoemergency.org.