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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-19 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes Thursday—March 19,2020 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL MEETING Present: Frank MacMillan,Joseph McCarthy,Patrick Scanlon,Michelle Davis,Daphne Alva-LaFleur, Brian LaGrasse,Stephen Casey Jr,Caroline Ibbitson and Toni K.Wolfenden. I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:02 pm. II. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A. Brian LaGrasse begins the discussion on COVID-19. As of Thursday March 19,2020,the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has 328 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are two positive cases in the Town of North Andover. The Health Department is monitoring quarantines and isolations. The team is participating in state and local conference calls. Regular meetings are scheduled with town officials to give guidance. Information is provided to protect residents,town staff,ie inspectors and fire department,police department and emergency management operations. The Health Department assists with closures,public service announcements,and outreach. Fit testing and training for the N95 masks were completed over a series of days for the fire department. Caroline Ibbitson, Brian LaGrasse and Melissa Rodrigues answer all COVID-19 hotline questions,and emails for resident,business questions,and complaints. Steve Casey,Health Department Inspector,has been posting restaurant guidance at all locations. He has met individually with restaurants to answer all questions. The department has been working with long-term care facilities. There has been many discussions with daycare facilities. Governor Baker declared that all daycare facilities will be closed as of this coming Monday. Friday,March 20,2020 will be the last day of business that daycare centers will be open,unless they receive written permission to stay open and care for the children of essential personnel. At this time,no daycares have applied. Kindercare was the last open in town. They did have a potential exposure. Brian believes one of the Kindercare centers will apply,but no word has been received at this time. The Health Department has been working with the Senior Center for food and meal through The Meals On Wheels program and The School Lunch Programs,both started today with over 350 meals distributed. The Health Department has been working with Deanna Lima, Community Support Coordinator,on behavioral health. Currently,Brian is applying for a grant through the Massachusetts Area Planning Council,MAPC,which is the town's regional agent. MAPC has set aside money for local public health. Town Manager,Melissa Rodrigues,declared a state of emergency at the Board of Selectman Meeting on March 18,2020. The Town Hall is closed to the public starting April 6,2020,only skeleton crews work in shifts. There are three people assisting with the COVIDI9 hotline and the Town Hall phones. All phones come into the three lines and then are transferred to the appropriate department. The department phones are then forwarded to department cell phones.Caroline or Brian answer all COVID-19 questions. Brian LaGrasse and Stephen Casey produced public service announcements on social distancing,shopping safely and protecting oneself in a retail environment. 2019 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 1 of 4 Board of Health Members:Dr.Francis P.MacMillan,Jr.,MD,Chairman/Town Physician;Joseph McCarthy,Member/Clerk; Michelle Davis,RN,Member;Daphnee Alva-LaFleur,Member;Patrick Scanlon,DO,Member Health Department Staff: Brian LaGrasse,Health Director;Stephen Casey Jr.,Health Inspector;Caroline Ibbitson,Public Health Nurse;Toni K. Wolfenden,Health Department Assistant Caroline Ibbitson completes all follow-up with residents who have traveled in the last 14 days, showing symptoms,or have had exposure. Caroline supports people who are on quarantine or isolation. She monitors test,gives guidance regarding various test requirements and is an essential resource for the residents. She has reached out to the Urgent Care Facilities and Lawrence General Hospital about testing. Lawrence General Hospital has a hotline and a tent set up outside. The patient must call the hotline and give detail on symptoms and exposure. Holy Family Hospital has started testing;however,a patient needs doctor's orders. Urgent Care Facilities have also recently started testing. If a town resident has concern and would like to be tested they can call their primary care doctor,the Town of North Andover COVID-19 Hotline(978-208-6070),The Lawrence General Hospital Hotline(978-946-8409)or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A flyer,North Andover's COVID Response has been produced to reach the town's senior population. See Appendix A. The flyer will be mailed town wide and passed out to the senior housing residents. Stephen Casey sent out emails to all the town's food establishments early this week. The email included a posting for the restaurant doors about Governor Baker's Orders Prohibiting a Gathering of More than 25 people and On-Premises Consumption of Food or Drink,the ServSafe Coronavirus flyer, and the Emergency Declaration Due to Public Health&Safety for the Town of North Andover. Steve thanks Bridget Sweet from Sweet Safe,LLC for assisting with the postings for the Health Department. Steve also has been reaching out to gyms and fitness centers. This verifies status and to assist with questions on Governor Baker's Order. Patrick Scanlon has been asking his patients that have symptoms or recent travels to call their primary care physicians first,and then,ultimately get the order to go to an appropriate screening facility. Routine patients are rescheduled to telehealth,or telephone visits to limit exposure. Next week, Patrick is the intensive care unit rounder at the hospital. He is employed in a New Hampshire based hospital with one confirmed case. Obtaining supplies,for example masks,have been difficult to receive. The lack of personal protection equipment is a big problem for hospitals and healthcare workers. Brian LaGrasse states that if anyone has donations,The Health Department would accept it and distribute it to the community health centers and local hospitals. Hardware stores,schools, veterinary offices may have an abundance of N95 masks or PPE. Patrick recommends people to use reputable websites like the CDC or call the Town's Hotline for information and not to focus on social media. Michelle Davis thanks the department,town and board for the quick communication. Daphnee Alva-LaFleur discusses senior shopping hours. Stop and Shop will be open daily from 6am— 7:30 am for customers 60 and over. Market Basket will be opening on Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays starting on March 191 for customers 60 and over to shop from 5:30am-7:OOam. Daphnee would like to echo handwashing,working together,and following the advice of professionals. Daphnee thanks the healthcare professionals. Joe McCarthy appreciates how united our nation is during this crisis.The North Andover Food Service is offering meals to the town's residents. For meals order online at northandoverma.gov/covidl9 or call 978-208-6070 the day before. Food distribution is at the North Andover Library from 1 lam-lpm Monday thru Friday. Many people are in fear. Joe explains that hand sanitizer can be made by two parts isopropyl rubbing alcohol and one part aloe. There have not been any deaths for people under 30 in the United States or South Korea for people with COVID-19. CDC update for today, 10,420 COVID-19 cases in United States,256 in Massachusetts,50 deaths in United States. Total reported in world,230,558 cases of COVID-19 and the deaths are 9,390. Numbers will rise as testing becomes more readily available. People should protect themselves by washing hands for 20 seconds,using hand sanitizers when soap and water is not available and wipe down various surfaces when out in public. How do you know if you have recovered from COVID-19?—no fever or cough without medication and two negative tests. Many different countries are assisting with trying to develop vaccines and/or treatments. Frank MacMillan explains that even among healthcare professionals,who have more information and understanding than the lay public,there are very high levels of anxiety. Patience is very important with each other because we are all experiencing anxiety in different ways. Show kindness and understanding. Frank's office is using telehealth. All of his office appointments have been converted to telephone appointments. Any physical visits must have special circumstances. Most circumstances of transmission are by droplets. Droplets can go about two to three feet away. Flat surfaces can be a point of transmission. Do not touch your face or eyes. Wash your hands frequently. When soap is not available,use hand sanitizer. Children fair well with the virus but they could be transmitters to adult relatives. Young adults in their 30's and 40's are also at risk for severe disease. There have been cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome and viral cardiomyopathy,which is the result from the infection. A great deal of patients are dying from cardiac arrest as opposed to acute respiratory failure. Frank recommends going to the CDC website and education oneself with the Hierarchy of Protection Pyramid. North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes Thursday—March 19, 2020 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL MEETING Steve Casey explains that this is a community effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Hand-washing, good personal hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes. Reach out to friends and family who are immunocompromised or elderly that might have difficulty getting the things that they need. Frank does caution people against visiting the elderly because you may transmit something unintended to them. Keep distances,drop things off but do not spend a long time in close proximity with somebody who is more vulnerable. Best to make phone calls. III. NEW BUSINESS A. The Board of Health discusses personal service businesses and the ability to operate while maintaining the social distancing. Many people are concerned with the close proximity of the service being performed and the number of people being serviced by various establishments. Most have closed; however,some are still servicing people. Brian spoke with upper management,the town managers office and town council,affords the board to make a recommendation to the town manager to close any type of business that is putting people in jeopardy of spreading and contracting the virus. With the CDC's recommendation of social distancing,Patrick is in support of a motion. Move that in order to protect the public health and safety of the North Andover community from the health risks created by the COVID-19 virus pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization and in recognition of the national,state and local declarations of emergency,the Board of Health finds that a number of personal service businesses can not be provided at a distance of at least six feet and therefore recommends that under the authority vested in the Town Manager through the declaration of emergency, she order that all nail salons,hair salons,barber shops,massage services,body art tattoo services,and acupuncturists close on March 20,2020 for the duration of the North Andover declaration of emergency. MOTION made by Michelle Davis.Motion seconded by Joseph McCarthy.All were in favor and the motion approved.(5-0-0) Move that in order to protect the public health and safety of the North Andover community from the health risks created by the COVID-19 virus pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization and in recognition of the national,state and local declarations of emergency,the Board of Health recommends the town manager to close all town playgrounds. MOTION made by Michelle Davis.Motion seconded by Patrick Scanlon.All were in favor and the motion approved. (5-0-0) 2019 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 3 of 4 Board of Health Members:Dr.Francis P.MacMillan,Jr.,MD,Chairman/Town Physician;Joseph McCarthy,Member/Clerk; Michelle Davis,RN,Member;Daphnee Alva-LaFleur,Member;Patrick Scanlon,DO,Member Health Department Staff: Brian LaGrasse,Health Director;Stephen Casey Jr.,Health Inspector;Caroline Ibbitson,Public Health Nurse;Toni K. Wolfenden,Health Department Assistant Move that in order to protect the public health and safety of the North Andover community from the health risks created by the COVID-19 virus pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization and in recognition of the national,state and local declarations of emergency,the Board of Health recommends the town manager to postpone town voting until a time certain determined by the Board of Selectman with adequate separation,sanitization and personal protection equipment and the process will be made in consultation with the Emergency Management Director. MOTION made by Joseph McCarthy.Motion seconded by Patrick Scanlon.All were in favor and the motion approved. (5-0-0) IV. ADJOURNMENT MOTION made by Joseph McCarthy to adjourn the meeting.Michelle Davis seconded the motion and all were in favor.The meeting adjourned at 8:37pm.(5-0-0) Prepared by: Toni K. Wolfenden, Health Dept.Assistant Reviewed bv: All Board of Health Members&Brian LaGrasse, Health Director Si ned bX: �f 2c.G 9 au�4 �iaa��'��,,` Joseph McCarthy, Clerk of the Board Date Signed Documents Used At Meeting: Agenda Flyer-North Andover's COVID Response North Andover Board of Health Meeting Agenda Thursday, March 19, 2020 7:00 p.m. 120 Main Street, 2nd Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room North Andover, MA 01845 I. CALL TO ORDER II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A. General Discussion — COVID 19 IV. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS V. ADJOURNMENT In accordance with Governer Baker's Executive Order issued on March 12, 2020, The Board of Health will be suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, please note the board members, applicants and staff will be participating in this meeting remotely. A live audio broadcast of the meeting will be available on cable access. If the public would like to participate please email your questions/comment prior to or during the meeting to: blagrasse(cb-northandoverma.gov. The question/comment will be read during the proceedings and responded to accordingly. 2019 North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Agenda Page 1 of 1 Note: The Board of Health reserves the right to take items out of order and to discuss and/or vote on items that are not listed on the agenda. Board of Health Members: Dr.Frank MacMillan,Jr.,Chairman/Town Physician;Joseph McCarthy,Member/Clerk;Michelle Davis,RN,Member;Daphnee Alva-LaFleur,Member;Patrick Scanlon,D.O.,Member Health Department Staff:Brian LaGrasse, Health Director;Stephen Casey Jr.,Health Inspector; Caroline Ibbitson,Public Health Nurse;Toni K.Wolfenden,Health Department Assistant • NORTH ANDOVER 'S COVID RESPONSE At this time, all Town Buildings are closed to the public. We are dedicated to serving the public to the best of our ability while taking measures to protect our employees and residents. The services we provide will continue behind the scenes through the internet, phone, and by appointment for essential services only. Please use this guide to help access town services during this temporary closure. Conducting Town Business Paying Bills: You may pay a bill online or by check. To pay online visit: northandoverma.gov/ pay To pay by check: Please place your payment in the drop box outside of Town Hall. Town Meeting: Warrant remains open until March 23 at 4:30 PM. To submit a citizen petition for Town Meeting, please put it in the drop box outside of Town Hall. Inspectional Services: At this time, essential inspections will continue. We ask that if you are feeling ill, please call and notify the Town ahead of time to reschedule. Fire Department: Walk-ins are not accepted at this time. If you need a permit, please call 978-688-9590 to make an appointment. Other Services Offered Food: Food assistance will be provided during the weekdays to all North Andover residents, regardless of age. Order meals online by visiting northandoverma.pov/covid19 or call the 978-208-6070 the day before. Call before noon on Friday if you need food on Monday. If you need food or other supplies; please call the COVID19 hotline. Small Businesses: Small business assistance and resources are available at northandoverma.gov/covid19. How to Help Please consider ordering takeout from North Andover restaurants and buying gift cards from North Andover businesses. A list of businesses and the services they offer can be found at northandoverma.Qov/covid19. The Town is also collecting non-perishable donations of food and other necessities. Want to help? Sign up to donate community necessities by visiting north andoverma.Qov/ covid19. IN YFI FORMATION PAGE Phone COVID-19 Hotline: 978-208-6070 The COVID-19 hotline was created to help residents access all of the town's resources and information with just one phone number. During normal business hours, you may call the hotline to inquire about town services, ask general questions regarding COVID19, or to request assistance due to lack of food or supplies. If you have concerns regarding a possible exposure to COVID-19 and/or need assistance with testing, you may ask to speak privately with the Town's Public Health Nurse. After normal business hours, you may call 978-989-1494. If you are in need of emotional support or assistance with life adjustment struggles, you may ask to speak privately with the Town's Community Support Coordinator. After normal business hours, you may call 978-989-1048. Web We encourage residents to follow the town's webpage dedicated to COVID-19. Here you will find town resources, school information, and links to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 webpages. httl2://northandoverma.gov/covidl9 Email Questions and concerns about the town's COVID response or about the illness in general, can be emailed to: covid19a-northandoverma.gov Recommendations As we learn more and more about COVID-19, the information and guidance will continue to change. This is why we recommend following our website or calling into our Hotline for up to date guidance. The one recommendation that has not changed is preventative practices. In order to slow down the spread of this illness, it is critical to continue to : • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Clean frequently touched surfaces (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands. • Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others. • Practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet of distance between you and others, avoiding large crowds and gatherings of more than 25 people, and staying home with your family. We thank you for doing your part to keep our community healthy.