As the virus season looms, parts of the Bay Area are reinstating mask mandates to combat potential COVID-19 outbreaks. Key points include:

• Mask mandates in select counties to protect vulnerable populations.
• Health officials stress the importance of vaccination against flu and COVID-19.
• Sonoma County leads with orders affecting health workers through March.
• Residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols.

Here's the full scoop.