A Sonoma County church located in the Santa Rosa area was fined for violating multiple public health orders. Sonoma County’s permit department filed a fourth complaint on Jan. 21 after receiving notice about several hundred people attending weekend services without wearing masks. The weekend services were also being held indoors. 

Since Sept. 2020, Spring Hills Church continues to hold indoor services, such as morning prayers, bible studies, and other religious events. Despite receiving three warnings from the county, hundreds of local residents attend the church’s weekly services throughout the weekends and their upcoming event raises even more concern to county officials. 

On Feb. 18, the church plans to host a two-day retreat with 100 to 150 people. Individuals attending this gathering consist of both local residents of Sonoma County and people who come from churches all over Northern California and beyond.

According to the order of the health officer of Sonoma County,  “A ‘gathering’ is any event or convening that brings together people in a single room or single space at the same time, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, cafeteria, or any other indoor or outdoor space.”

While the church invites people from all over Northern California and beyond to engage in religious worship at their upcoming retreat, county officials remain concerned for the health of Sonoma County’s communities.

In an interview from The Press Democrat, Paul Gullixson, Sonoma County’s communications manager for the permit department said, “These restrictions are in place for a reason and we have a choice as a community to either follow them or ignore them. When we ignore them, we see what happens: case rates go up, as we are in the middle of a surge.”

The Spring Hill Church’s retreat webpage, includes COVID-19 related facts and questions about the event, which does not enforce wearing or even bringing a mask. Their webpage provides attendees with a list of necessities to bring which states, “Bible, journal, pen, devotional books for personal time with the Lord, toiletry items, casual clothing, comfortable shoes, an expectant heart, and a good attitude!”

Governor Gavin Newsom initiated a statewide mask mandate in California on June 18, 2020 which requires every person to have a mask properly worn at all times when outside of the home. In accordance with Newsom’s mask mandate, the CDC issued an order on Jan. 29 which requires masks to be worn by all travelers to prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC also states,  “Wearing masks that completely cover the mouth and nose reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Sonoma County has been struck by an increase in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of January. There are a total of 27,133 active cases and 287 deaths. About 30 to 40 cases are added to the total amount of cases per day, according to county data. With the church’s plan to host this upcoming retreat, which brings individuals across California into Sonoma County, the number of COVID-19 cases may increase, making county officials and local residents worried. 

Limiting travelling is highly encouraged in California as it contributes to the spread of the disease. A recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “Travel has led—and continues to lead to—interstate and international spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.”

County officials will continue to enforce regulations by tracking Spring Hills Church closely in hopes that they will comply with the health orders to ensure safety in Sonoma County.