Board of Health

Office of the Board of Health City Hall 718 Main Street Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 978-829-1870 The Board of Health meeting was held on August 25, 2021 at 5:00 pm. Present: Stephen Curry, Director; Ian Murray; Sandra Knipe, members. Ian Murray, acting as chairman- opened the meeting at 5:00 pm. Review and Approve Meeting Minutes: Ian Murray made a motion to table the August 5, 2021 minutes until the next meeting. Motion was 2nd by Sandra Knipe. All were in favor. COVID-19 Updates: Confirmed cases, vaccination rates and clinics: Mr. Curry stated there are 92 active cases in the city. There has been 7 cases in the last day, 58 in the last week 97 in the last two weeks, 151 cases in the past month. Since March 1, 2020 the grand total is 4,981 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the City of Fitchburg The vaccination rate is currently at 48.8%. “Pop up clinics” are being held at schools events and we are collaborating with Community Health Connections. Director Curry is also trying to hold vaccination clinics at public events in the city. August 5, 2021 Mask Order amendments: The following amendments to the BOH Order Requiring Face Coverings in Municipal Buildings: (Proposed changes on the order are in red) Effective Monday, August 30, 2021: 1. All persons are required to wear masks or cloth face coverings at all times, when social distancing is not possible, while inside all areas of City of Fitchburg Municipal Buildings (including but not limited to City Hall) and Schools (public, private, parochial, and vocational) including all buildings at Fitchburg State University. 2. This Order shall also include Fitchburg Housing Authority Buildings. 3. All persons are also required to wear masks or cloth face coverings when  providing or using the services of any taxi, car, livery, ride-sharing, or similar service or any means of mass public transit, or while within an enclosed or semi- enclosed transit stop or waiting area. 4. It is further adopted anyone failing to follow said order is subject to a $300 fine for each offense. 5. All municipal buildings and schools that are open to the public shall post a sign on their main entrance doors advising consumers that they are required to wear a face covering upon entering; 6. This order shall apply to all persons over FIVE (5) whom are indoors in a municipal building within the City of Fitchburg, except where a person is unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition or the person is otherwise exempted by Department of Public Health guidance. A person who declines to wear a mask or cloth face covering because of a medical condition shall not be required to produce documentation verifying the condition; 7. To the extent necessary, this order shall be enforced by the Board of Health officials, Fitchburg Police, Fitchburg University Campus Police and the Massachusetts State Police. 8. Whoever violates any provision of this Order may be penalized in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 21D and a $300.00 fine in accordance with this Order from the City of Fitchburg for non-criminal disposition. 9. If non-criminal disposition is elected, then any person who violates any provision of this Regulation is subject to a penalty in the amount of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for each violation. Each day or portion thereof shall constitute a separate offense. If more than one, each condition violated shall constitute a separate offense. This Order is effective Monday, August 30, 2021, and shall remain in effect until rescinded by the Board of Health of the City of Fitchburg. Dated: August 13, 2021 adopted at its regular meeting held on August 5, 2021 and amended at a special meeting on August 25, 2021. Sandra Knipe made a motion to accept the amendments of the Order Requiring Face Coverings in Municipal Buildings. Motion was 2nd by Ian Murray. All were in favor, motion carries. Local Upgrade Approvals (LUA): Ian Murray made a motion to table the local upgrade approvals. Motion was 2nd by Sandra Knipe. All were in favor, motion carries. Staffing Updates: Mr. Curry stated that Human Resources is preparing a proposal to a candidate for the Vaccine Coordinator Position. The Food and Milk Inspector position candidates are in the process of interviewing. Director Curry is in discussions to add a positions or positions for additional Public Health Nurse, to be funded by the American Recovery Protection Act (ARPA). A Weights and Measures part time position will be posting in the near future as well as an Assistant Director/Deputy Inspector position, which replaces a Sanitary Code Inspector position vacancy due to a recent retirement. Sandra Knipe made a motion to adjourn. Motion was 2nd by Ian Murray. Meeting adjourned at 6:00pm.