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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-26 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes Thursday—March 26, 2020 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting Present: Frank MacMillan,Joseph McCarthy,Patrick Scanlon,Michelle Davis, Brian LaGrasse,Stephen Casey Jr,Caroline Ibbitson and Toni K.Wolfenden. I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm. II. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A. Brian LaGrasse updates the Board of Health on COVID-19. Massachusetts has 2,400 cases of COVID-19,9 in the Town of North Andover and well over 68,000 in the United States and 500,000 worldwide. Brian has been participating in local and state conference calls every other day and meeting with town officials virtually twice per week. Brian and Caroline Ibbitson answer the COVID- 19 hotline and emails day and night. Brian and Stephen Casey published a public service announcement on tips for shopping safely(Appendix A). Brian and Melissa Rodrigues,Town Manager,filmed a video updating the townspeople on COVID-19 through North Andover CAM with Brian Frasier. The Health Department has received a grant for$30,000 to purchase supplies and employ back up nursing staff. The department has purchased,from Staples,Lysol wipes and commercial grade wipes for the Fire Department. Clorox Wipes also have been purchased for town hall,senior center and if needed throughout the town. Brian thanks Wheelabrator for the large supply of thermometers and a case of N100 masks. Brian thanks Daphnee Alva-LaFleur,Tufts Health Care, for the case of wet wipes and travel hand sanitizers. These are being dispersed through the Senior Center. Brian thanks Joe McCarthy for the bag of N95 masks. Surgical masks have been delivered to the Fire Department and long term care facilities. Schools are closed until May 4,2020,which will slow the spread. Town elections postponed. Brian has met with the Facilities Management Director, Steve Foster and Building Department Director,Paul Hutchins. Inspections will continue with safety protocols in place. Brian will promote exercise with safety and proper social distancing. This will assist with mental health issues. B. Caroline Ibbitson updates the Board of Health on her recent activities with COVID-19. Caroline has been working with all COVID-19 cases and contact follow-up. She published a flyer with contact and hotline information(See Appendix B). The flyer was hand distributed to senior housing. The town wide mailer estimated date of delivery is Tuesday. Caroline has been tracking all of the COVID-19 cases. She follows all patients and gets them appropriate testing. She also receives contact information through the State Health Department computer system. If anyone has a direct contact with a positive case,she receives notification and then the town resident is contacted and followed to ensure his or her safety. She also follows quarantines,pending cases,and recent travelers. Two public school nurses have assisted Caroline. Both nurses have received required state training. AFC Urgent Care will be running a testing clinic.All must pre-register. In order to be cleared from isolation,a patient must be seven days from when the symptoms started and have been fever free for three days without any fever reducing medication and respiratory symptoms have improved. All nine positive cases are 2019 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 1 of 3 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 homebound,no hospitalization. Of the nine positive cases the disease was spread through travel,close contact,work-related exposure and the remainder are under investigation. All phone lines are answered by the COVID Hotline. When a call comes in it is directed to the proper department.All questions about the virus are answered by Caroline or Brian. N95 masks are distributed to health care workers that are doing direct patient care. The Health Department had surgical masks dating back to the H1N1 pandemic. These have been re-distributed. An N95 mask is more of a respirator and a filter. It filters out particles from the air and 95%of anything coming into your area is filtered out through the mask. A surgical mask does not have any filter properties but they do catch droplets. Long-term care facilities are in need of the N95 masks. N95 masks are fitted to ensure accuracy. The CDC and OSHA have published a Hierarchy of Protection. Removing oneself from the hazard is much more effective than personal protective equipment(PPE). Social distancing,frequent hand washing,wiping down the grocery cart handles,wiping down packaging protocols should be followed. Restrictions will be lifted when the curve begins to level off. Estimations for peak is in mid-April. It is a slow process; however,a large spike will overwhehn the healthcare system. Data coming from China stated that the disease was affecting the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions however,there is more data coming out saying that younger people are starting to show signs of the disease with symptoms of chest heaviness and fevers. At this time,Patrick Scanlon has not treated young people with COVID- 19,only 70-80 year olds,but he has seen it in reputable sources that younger populations are starting to be affected and showing more symptoms than what was originally published through China. Joe McCarthy discusses various statistics. The average age of the person afflicted with COVID-19 is 81. Worldwide deaths are 500,000 plus, 115,000 recoverees,21,000 deaths. In comparison,the flu kills a half a million people per year worldwide,pneumonia kills 3 million per year worldwide. The Boston Globe continues to report a steep increase of new cases however,it does not report the number of new tests being reported. The United States can learn a great deal by what other countries have done to address the virus. South Korea,Taiwan and Singapore have extensive testing,isolation,personal tracking and contact tracing. Frank asks about permissible activities. It comes down to close personal contact. Hiking,biking,walking,while maintaining social distancing is highly recommended. Brian wants people to be fit and healthy and also be safe with the pandemic,it is a balancing act. Use common sense. Jungle gym equipment has not been cleaned and there is no way to properly sanitize, and there is no way to keep children 6ft apart while they play on the equipment. The town's playgrounds are officially closed for safety purposes. Brian suggests playing catch,kicking a soccer ball,or throwing a football. Use hand sanitizer or wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Many people are now wearing masks in public. Masks are worn primarily to protect other people from you. Surgical masks catch droplets but they do not filter. The surgeon wears these masks to protect the patient,not himself/herself. At this time,a person who is not sick does not have to wear a mask. The Fire Department is doing various things to ensure there is minimal transmission among the staff. This has been challenging because they work in close quarters. Specific personal protection equipment protocols have been put in place for medical calls that suggests flu-like symptoms. Dispatch has a questionnaire to screen these medical calls before the team enters the situation. The department has limited overtime,firemen can no longer go back and forth between the two stations. This is to eliminate possible exposure between the fire stations. If there is a belief that someone has been exposed,they are put in a motel room so the family is protected. They do not return home until a negative test result is received. The firehouses are closed to the public. The police department has begun doing virtual roll call. Both departments are adjusting protocols in order to maintain maximum protection for the employees. Stephen Casey has been going to the personal service providers. Most are closed. The emergency order to cease and desist order was distributed(See Appendix C.) He answered questions and addressed concerns. If the shop was closed,the order was posted on the door. Steven continues to work on public service announcements. Grocery stores and pharmacies are required to have sanitize wipes to clean carts and baskets. Grocery stores are now required to post hours for individuals 60 years or older to shop.(See Appendix D.) Steve is working on a PSA for takeout food safety,mental health,exercising and maintaining social distancing. Steve also fields questions,calls and emails from local business owners with questions about the orders and general questions. Frank explains that the Board of Health does not want to keep people out of work but these orders are the only tool we have to protect the town residents. All restrictions are revisited on a two- week basis. Direction has been taken from Governor Baker. When Governor Baker issues orders,we assist with compliance and information. If anyone has questions or concerns please call the COVID Hotline at 978-208-6070,health department phone number 978-688-9540 or see the website northandoverma.gov/covidl9. North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes Thursday—March 26,2020 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting III. ADJOURNMENT MOTION made by Joseph McCarthy to adjourn the meeting.Patrick Scanlon seconded and all were in favor.The meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm.(4-0-0) Prepared by: Toni K. Wolfenden, Health Dept.Assistant Reviewed bv: All Board of Health Members&Brian LaGrasse,Health Director Signed by: zO 20-tie-� ct.L .Clt2.� `' /' t�2t� Joseph McCarthy, Clerk of the Board Date Signed Documents Used At Meeting: Agenda Tips to Shop Safely during COVID-19 North Andover's COVID Response Flyer 2019 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 3 of 3 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 North Andover Board of Health Agenda Thursday, March 26,2020 7:00 p.m. OPEN SESSION VIRTUAL MEETING Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandoveream.org I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES III. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A. COVIDI9 IV. ADJOURNMENT Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, Section 18, and the Governor's March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the North Andover Board of Health will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the Town's website, at www.northandoverma.gov. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to watch the meeting may do so on their televisions by tuning to Comcast Channel 8 or Verizon Channel 26 or online at www.northandovercam.org. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite best efforts, we will post on the Town of North Andover website an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting. 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 • �1'T I.ED 5y5' . �NQk.f f k'P Ate``^. North Andover Health Department Community and Economic Development Division Tips to Shop Safely during COVID-19 Social Distancing is a method recommended by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health to help limit and prevent the spread of illnesses such as COVID-19. This includes actions like limiting exposure to public places with large groups of people. However, at some point you may need to go to a potentially crowded or busy establishment, such as a grocery store, in order to purchase items for yourself, your family or others. By following the tips listed below,you can help yourself and others continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while shopping. Before Going Out: • If you are sick, elderly or immunocompromised do not go shopping. Call Town Hall at (978)208 6070, or ask a family member or friend if they would purchase items for you and drop them off. • Check to see if the establishment has a delivery or online curbside pick-up option. • Shop at hours which will be less busy. • Make a list of items before leaving to minimize time in the store and avoid excess purchasing. • Keep trips to a minimum. • Keep in mind family, friends and neighbors who may be at risk and unable to shop. Call them and see if they need anything. • Wash your hands before going shopping. • If ordering takeout, stick to the estimated time frame for picking up the order. Inside Establishment: • Sanitize your hands and the handle of shopping cart or basket. • Avoid touching foods, especially fruit and produce,unless you will be buying it. • Keep your distance from other shoppers and staff. • Cover all your coughs and sneezes. • If waiting in line, try to maintain 6 feet between you and the person in front of you. • AVOID PANIC BUYING. This results in empty shelves. Buy what you need according to the list you made. • Pay by credit or debit when available. • Where possible, have your receipt emailed to you instead of handed to you. • If picking up take-out, only enter the store once you're food is ready to go. Instead of lingering in the lobby or outside the door,wait in your car. Once at Home: • Wash hands before and after unpacking all items. • Wash fruits and vegetables once home. • Wipe down the surfaces that the grocery bags were placed on. • If delivering items to family, a friend or neighbor,make sure to alert them that the items have been dropped off to avoid any spoilage of food. As always,please remember that limiting the spread of COVID-19 is a community effort which starts at the individual level. By following these tips,you can help one another avoid spreading COVID-19. 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.pov/ 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.gov/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/covid 19. 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 northandoverma.gov/ covid 19. INFORMATION 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. http://northandoverma.ciov/covidl 9 Email Questions and concerns about the town's COVID response or about the illness in general, can be emailed to: covid19CcDnorthandoverma.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. ,41 North Andover Health Department Community and Economic Development Division NOTICE TO RETAILERS REGARDING SELF-SERVE STATIONS In an effort to continue to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect both employees and customers,food establishments are ordered to discontinue the use of self-serve food stations until further notice.This includes items like, but not limited to,the following; • Any self-serve meal station including salad bars,wing bars, and similar services where a meal or food may be portioned by the customer. • Baked Goods—No self-service bakery good cabinets that customers can reach into or access for self-service.This includes ones for muffins, Banish, bagels, cookies, rolls, doughnuts, etc.All products should be prepackaged and wrapped. • Free samples or similar tasting displays. • Self-service coffee stations, including grinding beans, pouring cups of coffee, creamer pumps, cups or dispensers, cups,covers, stirrers, sugars,flavor enhancers, napkins,tea bags and hot water. • Take-out supplies including prepackaged or individual,single use utensils provided for self-service that are stored in bins or a similar display for customers.This includes utensils, extra plates, napkins, boxed and bags as well. • Condiments—Any pump, bottle or package type service for: ketchup, mustard, mayo relish, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, cheese,topping for nachos, burgers, hot dogs, onion,jalapenos, pickles or other that customers can add or make on their own. • Nuts&Candies—no self-portioning of bulk nuts and candy items, including dried fruits. • Self-serve fountain drinks or similar cold beverages including, but not limited to,slushies, Slurpee's, and cups, lids, straws and related items. • For stores selling whole produce,the posting of a sign stating"Wash Produce Before Consuming". As a reminder to,to maintain the safety of employees and customers, please remember to continually sanitize frequently contacted surfaces.This can include areas such as counter tops, take-out stations, doors and door handles, light switches, hand wash sinks, and point-of-sales machines such as cash registers or credit card readers. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and for your help keeping both customers and employees safe. North Andover Health Department Community and Economic Development Division To Keep Everyone Healthy, We are Practicing Contact-Less Take Out 1. Please place your order online or over the phone. 2. Call this number to place your order or speak to our staff for an update on your order : 3. Please wait outside or in your car if your order is not ready. 4. Please maintain 6 feet between yourself and other patrons at all times. 6 FEET AT ALL TIMES 00 00 Thank you for helping keep our staff and customers safe. CORONAVIRUS WHAT CAN YOU DO? What is COVID-19 Coronavirus? Coronavirus is a respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China, and believed to have initially spread from animals to humans but now is spreading from person-to-person contact.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people. Typically, respiratory viruses are most contagious when an individual is most symptomatic, but there have been reports of the virus spreading when the affected individual does not show any symptoms. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days to as COVID-19 Coronavirus Spreads: long as 14 days after exposure: • The virus primarily spreads via respiratory droplets Fever, cough and/or shortness of breath produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. For people who are ill with COVID-19, please follow CDC • It spreads between people who are in close contact guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your (within about 6 feet). illness to others: httr)s://www.cdc.goy/coronavirus/2019- ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html Currently there is no vaccine for COVID-19. The best measure is to avoid coming in contact with the virus: • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains 60- with a tissue,then immediately dispose of the tissue 95%alcohol when water and soap are not available. and wash hands for at least 20 seconds.. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with It's currently flu and respiratory disease season and unwashed hands. CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday • Stay home if sick. preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that have been and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. touched (counters, doorknobs,toilets, phones, etc.). The CDC does not recommend the routine use of respirators (facemasks): https://www.cdc.govz coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-fag.html Keeping Employees Safe: What to do if an employee shows flu-like symptoms • It is highly recommended that any employees who are showing flu-like symptoms should be excluded from the operation until they are symptom free. Keeping Customer Safe: What to do if a customer shows flu like symptoms in the restaurant According to the CDC, the spread of COVID-19 occurs when people are in close contact(less than 6 feet) with an infected person. Some basic steps that could be taken are: • Provide the customer with additional napkins or tissues to use when they cough or sneeze • Make sure alcohol-based hand sanitizer is available for customers to use • Be sure to clean and sanitize any objects or surfaces that may have been touched Bodily Fluid Event: What to do if there is a bodily fluid event If a customer or employee vomits or has diarrhea it is recommended (AT THIS TIME)that the operations follows protocols that are in place for Norovirus be used • Ensure the employee who is cleaning up the area is using Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) • Segregate the area that has been contaminated • Dispose of any food that has been exposed • Ensure any utensils that might have been exposed are cleaned and sanitized • Frequently clean and sanitize the area to include the floor,walls and any other objects contaminated by the incident • Properly dispose any of the equipment that was used to clean up the area For additional recommendations and resources, please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus ServSafe updated 3/3/20 CORON"IRUS 40ue es el Coronavirus COVID-19? El coronavirus es una enfermedad respiratoria detectada por primera vez en Wuhan, China, y se tree que se propag6 inicialmente de animales a humanos, pero ahora se esta extendiendo por medio de contacto de persona a persona. Segun los Centros para el Control y la Prevenci6n de Enfermedades (CDC), no esta claro con que facilidad o continuidad se esta propagando este virus entre las personas. Por to general, los virus respiratorios son mas contagiosos cuando el individuo es mas sintomatico, pero ha habido informes de que el virus se propaga cuando el individuo afectado no muestra ningun sintoma. 101 U, • - • • Los sintomas pueden aparecer en tan solo 2 dias y El Coronavirus COVID-19 se propaga: hasta 14 dias despues que la persona estuvo expuesta: • El virus se propaga principalmente a trav6s de particular Fiebre, tos y/o dificultad Para respirar. respiratorias producidas cuando la persona infectada Para las personas que estan enfermas con COVID-19, siga las estornuda o tose. instrucciones de los CDC sobre c6mo reducir el riesgo de • Se propaga entre personas que estan en contacto propagaci6n de la enfermedad a otras personas: https://www. cercano(dentro de aproximadamente 6 pies). cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html Actualmente no existe una vacuna para COVID-19. La mejor medida es evitar entrar en contacto con el virus: • Lavese las manos con agua y jab6n durante al menos 20 panuelo desechable, luego deseche inmediatamente segundos o use un desinfectante de manos a base de el panuelo y lavese las manos durante al menos 20 alcohol que contenga 60-95%de alcohol cuando no haya segundos. agua ni jab6n disponibles. Actualmente es temporada de gripe y enfermedades • Evite tocarsese los ojos, la nariz y la Boca con las manos respiratorias y los CDC recomiendan vacunarse contra sin lavar. la gripe (flu),tomar medidas preventivas diarias para • Quddese en casa si esta enfermo. ayudar a detener la propagaci6n de g6rmenes y tomar • Limpie v desinfecte objetos y superficies que han sido antivirales para la gripe si son recetados. tocados (mostradores, picaportes de puertas, retretes, Los CDC no recomiendan el use rutinario de teldfonos, etc.). respiradores (mascaras faciales): https://www.cdc.gov/ • Cubrase la nariz y la boca al toner y estornudar con un coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-fag.html Mantener a los empleados seguros: Glue hater si un empleado muestra sintomas similares a los de la gripe (flu) • Es muy recomendable que cualquier empleado que muestre sintomas similares a los de la gripe debe ser excluido del establecimiento hasta que est6 libre de sintomas. Mantener seguros a los clientes: Glue hacer si un cliente muestra sintomas similares a la gripe en el restaurante Segun los CDC, la propagaci6n de COVID-19 ocurre cuando las personas estan en contacto cercano (menos de 6 pies) con una persona infectada. Algunas medidas basicas que se podrian tomar son: • Proporcionar al cliente servilletas o panuelos desechables adicionales para que usen al toser o estornudar • Asegurarse de que haya desinfectante de manos a base de alcohol disponible para el use de los clientes • Asegurarse de limpiar y desinfectar cualquier objeto o superficie que la gente haya tocado En caso de fluido corporal: Glue hacer si hay un caso de fluido corporal Si un cliente o empleado vomita o tiene diarrea se recomienda (EN ESTE MOMENTO)que los establecimientos sigan los protocolos que estan en vigor para el Norovirus • Asegurese de que el empleado que esta limpiando el area esta utilizando el Equipo de Protecci6n Personal (PPE) • Separe el area que ha sido contaminada • Deseche cualquier alimento que haya sido expuesto • Asegurese de que los utensilios que podrian haber sido expuestos se limpien y desinfecten • Limpie y desinfecte con frecuencia el area, incluya el piso, las paredes y cualquier otro objeto contaminado por el incidente • Deseche adecuadamente cualquier equipo que se utiliz6 Para limpiar el area Para obtener recomendaciones y recursos adicionales, visite www.cdc.gov/coronavirus Ser.,v.,S afe actualizado 3/3/20 ..<„ •. • swtsLED North Andover Health Department Community and Economic Development Division KEEPING YOU AND YOUR CUSTOMERS SAFE During Take Out and Delivery In order to reduce COVID-19 risk,LIMIT PERSON-to-PERSON INTERACTIONS and strive for"CONTACT-LESS"Food Service TAKE OUT Precautions • Tell customer this is Contact-Less Take Out. • Curbside pick-up or delivery is highly encouraged over counter service. • Request payment with credit card online or over the phone. • All patrons must remain 6 feet away from one another. Post signs as a reminder. • Advise patrons to wait in their car or outside until order is ready, not at counter. • All food preparation staff must also maintain a minimum of 6 feet between one another. • When packaging food - no bare hand contact with exposed food. • Use an EPA approved disinfectant to treat frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, light switches, touch screens and phones. 1/3 cup bleach to 1 gallon water is disinfectant strength. DELIVERY Precautions • Coordinate payment & drop off location from the phone. Tell customer it's Contact-Less Delivery. • Recommend wearing gloves when delivering food and change when contaminated. • Sanitize hands regularly using 60% alcohol. Or a hand wash station can be set up in car trunk- use a water jug with spigot, hand soap and paper towels. • Wait in the car to confirm that food is picked up. • Keep packaging closed always. • Vehicles, delivery bags must be cleaned and sanitized between deliveries or at least every 4 hrs. • Frequently disinfect car including steering wheel, door handles, all dials and gear shift. • Provide hand washing station for third party delivery companies. This can be an igloo cooler or coffee urn, with warm water, soap, paper towels and a bucket to collect waste water. EMPLOYEE Precautions • Any sick employees must stay home, avoid people & contact their medical provider. • Cover coughs and sneezes and avoid touching face. • Wash hands frequently. 6 FEET AT ALL TIMES 00 00 SST rLED j North Andover Health Department Community and Economic Development Division COVID-19 and Physical Exercise Due to the COVID-19 means of transmission, social distancing has been one of the most effective ways in preventing the spread of the virus. However, social distancing does not necessarily mean all persons need to stay in their house all day. We want to encourage physical activity and exercise, both indoors and out. There are different ways to exercise or work out while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines. • Get outside and get some fresh air! Go for a walk,jog or a bike ride around your neighborhood.Take advantage of North Andover's 70 miles of hiking trails and several open spaces. Go to the Friends of North Andover Trails website to take a look for yourself. These are great places to exercise locally while following social distancing guidelines. • If you already utilize a personal trainer or fitness center, reach out to them or check their website. Many trainers or fitness centers have workout plans or classes you can follow online. • Try forms of exercise such as yoga or calisthenics if you lack workout equipment at home. For example,the American Heart Association has tips for creating circuit workout plans involving cardio or strength exercises using only your body and household items. • Break up time spent seated or lying down during leisure time. • Workout while working at home—utilize stretching or walking around periodically.Try standing while working instead of sitting. If you get a call,you can pace back and forth while speaking on the phone. • Utilize technology—use the internet to research supplemental ways to stay active. Many phones have the ability to download workout apps that can provide activities to engage in. Using websites like YouTube and other video sharing platforms can provide follow-along style classes in the comfort of your own home. You should only exercise when you feel able to. If you are sick or not feeling well,wait until you feel better to participate in physical activity.Also, be cautious while working out and only do activities you feel comfortable completing. Pay attention to your body to avoid injury or overexertion. Physical activity ideas when at home Individual ideas • Strength and stability—Examples include pushups, burpees, sit-ups or crunches,wall sits, squats, planks, lunges,and many others. • Cardio—Whether in place or not, examples include walking,jogging, running,jumping jacks, high knees, climbing stairs and many others. • Use apps on your phone or tablet like the Nike Training Club or others for more ideas and workouts. Ideas for kids • Active games—games like hide-and-seek, charades, dance parties and more can keep kids active and moving during time at home. • Outdoor activity—with social distancing in place, many people are avoiding areas like parks and playgrounds. At home,you can play hopscotch, use jump ropes, or kick a soccer ball around. • Interactive screen time-Check out apps like GoNoodle or other items that get kids involved and moving while watching TV. Ideas for Seniors • On your computer or smartphone,watch Go4Life Exercises on YouTube.com for different exercises you can do at home. • You can also visit the National Council on Aging(NCOA)online blog(ncoa.org/blog)and click on "Healthy Living". On that page,you will see an article titled "Encouraging older adults to stay active and safe during the coronavirus pandemic". This blog has many resources and advice on exercising safely during this time of social distancing. • Aim for exercises that benefit balance, endurance, strength and flexibility. • When exercising, start slowly and drink plenty of fluids.Warm up your muscles before you stretch.Wear appropriate shoes and clothing while exercising, and only do what you feel comfortable completing. Stay fit,stay healthy and stay safe s�cTLEDj North Andover Health Department Community and Economic Development Division Seniors, Social Distancing and COVID-19 Social distancing has been shown to be the most proven method of preventing the transmission of covid-19, also known as the Coronavirus. Outside of disease prevention, social distancing can also become an issue for individuals who communicate primarily through face-to-face interactions and at group facilities. One group of people who fall into this category are Senior Citizens. Seniors can experience an increased feeling of isolation due to the combination of limits on their normal meet up spots, the emphasis on social distancing, and feelings of stress or anxiety regarding covid-19. Below are some tips and resources to help keep our senior community combat feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety during this time. Connect with Tech • Using cell phones to call or text are great ways to keep in touch with relatives, friends and community members while practicing social distancing. We encourage you to reach out via phone to family and friends to discuss your day and any thoughts you're having. • Computers are another great way to maintain contact with others. Emails can be used for communication between two people or groups of individuals. If your computer has a webcam or built-in camera, there are ways to video-chat others who have computers with webcams or built-in cameras. Stay Active • When possible, a great way to destress is by staying active! You can use physical activities you already feel comfortable performing, or check out new exercises online. o Go4Life from the National Institute on Aging has many different examples of exercises you can use. Check out their website or videos by following the link in the resources section. • If you're feeling well and are able to, get out of the house for a short walk. Make sure to check the weather and dress appropriately, and to follow social distancing precautions while doing so. Plan ahead • Planning ahead can help ease anxiety, stress and other feelings associated with covid-19. Planning regarding the following important items can especially help relieve these feelings; o Medications — Keeping a minimum of a month long supply of prescription or over-the-counter medications. Also, notifying your family or friends of what medications you need will help if they are obtaining the medication for you. ■ Call and ask if your pharmacy provides any delivery services for medication. o Groceries — Grocery stores are now required to provide a minimum of an hour each day for people ages 60 or older to shop for items they may need. Many establishments are doing this in the morning such as Stop & Shop (6am-7:30am) and Market Basket (6am-7am). ■ You can also contact family or friends for aid in obtaining groceries if you do not feel comfortable shopping at this time. Keeping a list of items you need will help them know what to buy! ■ You can also call also call the Town of North Andover to ask about getting supplies 978-989-1048 or Meals on Wheels at 978-729-7795. o Providing care — in case you or someone you live with becomes sick or ill, have a plan in place for providing care. Talk with those close to you about potential contacts you can call who would be able to help you or those you live with. Engage in activities • Find time each day to complete activities you enjoy. Reading a new book, solving puzzles, or watching movies are some of the many options you can enjoy. Mental Health and related resources • It is important to note that during a pandemic, you may feel increased concern or stress related to what is going on around you. This is completely normal, and most individuals will feel something like this. However, if you are feeling extremely overwhelmed and would like to contact someone to talk about how you feel, please try the following resources: o The Friendship Line (800) 9710016 ■ The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls for those 60 and older. o National Alliance on Mental Health 1 800 9540 6264 or text NAMI to 741741 ■ The National alliance on mental health provides assistance to those affected by mental health issues. o Samaritans (24/7 helpline) call or text 1 877 870 4673 ■ The Samaritans provide suicide prevention services throughout Greater Boston, MetroWest and across Massachusetts. Their mission is to reduce suicide incidence by alleviating despair, isolation, distress and suicidal feelings. o SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline — 1 800 985 5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 ■ The SAMHSA's disaster distress helpline provides crisis support service for anyone experiencing emotional distress from disasters related to weather or nature, infectious disease outbreaks, and other traumatic events. They're available 24/7. North Andover Senior Center - 978 688 9560 • The Senior Center's voicemail is checked regularly during business hours of operation, and they have calls directed to the appropriate staff. • Grocery shopping is available Tuesdays through Fridays, and is limited to 4 passengers per day. Call the Senior Center the day before you wish to go to be put on their list. Pick up at your home starts at 9:30. Resources • Go4Life exercises from the National Institute on Aging o https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/ o https://www.youtube.com/user/NatllnstituteOnAging/playlists and choose "Go4Life workout videos" • Massachusetts Council on Aging —Activities to combat social isolation o https://mcoaonline.com/2020/03/26/activities-to-combat-social- isolation Help Prevent COVID-19 with Social Distancing Call/Facetime/online chat with friends and family. Stay home as much as you can. h Alf you must go out: • Don't gather in groups 6' • Stay 6 feet away from others Don't shake hands or hug And please continue • to wash your hands i frequently. • . Department North Andover Health Department Community and Economic Development Division Social Distancing Guidance regarding COVID-19 Definitions: Congregate settings - crowded public places where close contact with others may occur, such as shopping centers, movie theaters, and stadiums for example. Social Distancing - remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible. What is social distancing and why is it important? Social distancing is a phrase that includes ways to help slow or stop the spread of an infectious disease by decreasing the amount of contact between you and other individuals. If the spread of COVID-19 is slowed down then the health care system will be able to adequately handle the any increase in the number of patients needing medical attention. Why can social distancing, help in regards to the COVID-19 virus? COVID-19 is spread through the following methods: • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes • By touching a surface which has the COVID-19 virus on it, and then touching ones face Social distancing is an effective method of reducing the amount of person-person contact, as well as reducing the amount of crowds and gatherings where a virus can spread more easily and more efficiently. What can I do? There are many ways you can help benefit the safety of your community. The following are examples of these: • If you are sick - stay home and away from others. • Practicing social distancing when applicable, and avoid going out into congregate settings or public areas unless completely necessary. • Practice good hygiene habits, including avoiding the touching of your face and covering your coughs and sneezes. • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds minimum, doing this before and after eating, and after using the restrooms. The above mentioned items can help keep not only you safe, but also the individuals in your community safe as well by limiting the transmission of COVID-19. Social distancing at home To reduce the spread of germs in your household: • Practice good hygiene habits such as frequent handwashing and the covering of sneezes and coughs • Avoid handshaking and kissing • Regularly disinfect high touch surfaces • If possible, increase ventilation in the home by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning • If possible, avoid individual or family travel if unnecessary Households where people are sick or ill: • Care for sick person in a single room if possible • Keep number of care givers to a minimum • Keep door to sick persons room closed and, if possible, a window open • If possible, use separate bathrooms. • Both individuals (caregiver and sick person) should wear a surgical mask when in the same room • Protect vulnerable family members such as individuals over 65 and those with chronic illnesses or those who are immunocompromised Social distancing in the workplace To reduce the spread of germs in the workplace: • Stay at home if you are sick • Avoid handshaking as a greeting • Hold meetings via phone or video conferencing • Cancel large meetings • Promote good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and provide hand sanitizers for all staff • Clean and disinfect highly touched surfaces • Reconsider non-essential business travel Social distancing in Public To reduce the spread of germs: • Sanitize hands whenever possible, including entering and leaving buildings • Try and travel at quiet times and try to avoid crowds Public transport workers and taxi drivers should open vehicle windows where possible, and regularly clean and disinfect high touch surfaces Things to consider Please remember that some public areas, such as playgrounds for example, are not sanitized regularly. If areas like these are to be used, please keep in mind the above mentioned items like social distancing and good hygiene practices. North Andover Trails are open and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Please also remember that limiting the spread of COVID-19 is a community effort, and everyone should do their part to help where possible. References Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposures: Geographic Risk and Contacts of Laboratory-confirmed Cases htti)s://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.htmt Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Corona Virus Disease 2019: How It Spreads https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html? CDC AA refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019- ncov%2Fabout%2Ftransmission.html Australian Government's Department of Public Health - Information on Social Distancing https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-on- social-distancinp- Massachusetts Department of Public Health - COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment https://www.mass,gov/info-details/covid-19-prevention-and-treatment