Board of Health

December 2, 2020 Phone-Participants Jo-Ann Keegan, Chairperson Lisa Golden, Board Member Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, Board Member Erin Gendron, Board Member Joanne Belanger, HHS Director Cesar Pungirum, Tobacco Control Director Shawn Machado, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector The meeting of the City of Lowell Board of Health was called to order at 6:03 PM by Chairperson Jo-Ann Keegan. 12/2/2020 - Minutes 1. NEW BUSINESS 1.I. Conference Call Log-In Information 1.II. For Acceptance: Minutes of the November 4, 2020 Board of Health Meeting Motion: To accept the minutes of the November 4, 2020 Board of Health Meeting made by Lisa Golden, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. 1.III. Informational: Health & Human Services Deputy Director Of Finance Deputy Director of Finance Brendan Flynn was present to introduce himself and review the duties of his position with the Board Members. 1.IV. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report Submitted By Cesar Pungirum, Program Director Tobacco Control Program Director Cesar Pungirum reviewed his report with the Board. The Board accepted the report and placed on file. 1.V. For Review: Monthly Development Services Report Submitted By Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado reviewed the reports with the Board. An update on the China Star Restaurant, 369 Broadway Street, was given. The Board was informed the owners of the establishment decided to close the business and the Bakery currently located next door will be moving into the location. Mr. Machado will continue with the inspection schedule the Board established at the November 4, 2020 administrative hearing. 1.VI. Communications: Various School Department Employees Relative to the Closing of Lowell Public Schools The Board discussed the communications received relative to in-person learning within the Lowell Public Schools. Present for the discussion were Marianne Busteed, LPS Safety Coordinator, and Michael Lovato, Director of Special Education. Also present to speak to the Board were Maureen Soucy – teacher, and Mickie Dumont - Director of Operations for United Teachers of Lowell. Discussion occurred regarding teachers who were participating with the on-going in-person learning and the COVID positivity rates occurring within the City of Lowell. Mr. Lovato informed the Board that the School Department continues to follow the Massachusetts DESE Guidelines and updates the district guidelines with any DESE changes. Ms. Soucy spoke to the Board about her concerns for the students and teachers physically in the school buildings. Ms. Dumont spoke about concerns about when the School Department would go fully remote and the concerns of staff who may have, or may have family members with, health conditions. Ms. Busteed noted that the School Department has been working with the Health Department in relation to COVID guidelines since the return to in-person learning and that since September there has been 1 known case of COVID caused by in-  BOHM12062020 Page 2 person learning and 32 total cases where the teacher/students were infected from outside of school sources. The School Department follows the established protocol for notification and isolation of positive persons. Chairwoman Jo-Ann Keegan inquired on the number of students currently participating in in-person learning and was informed that approximately 85 teachers, 150 paraprofessionals, and 3% of the student populations attends in-person classes with Lowell High School having the most students with a total of 50. No case clusters within a school have occurred. Mr. Lovato noted that the School Department continues to analyze and approve employees for remote worksites and that LPS has passed out a large number of laptops. Board Member Kathleen Cullen-Lutter inquired if there was a point where the School Department will decide to not have in-school personnel. Mr. Lovato noted that at this time, the School Department was trying to keep as many students in school as safely possible and would defer the answer to the question to Superintendent Boyd and Dr. Hall. Chairwoman Keegan commented on the high infection rate which is currently over 10 and asked if the Board should entertain a motion to have another meeting with the School Subcommittee on Facilities and Transportation. Board Member Erin Gendron inquired on the available PPE and plans for face shields to help protect students and teachers. Ms. Busteed noted that the School Department has face shields, gloves, gowns and sanitizing products. Motion: to request another meeting with the School Sub-committee of Facilities and Transportation made by Lisa Golden, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. 1.VII. For Review: Trinity EMS, Inc. Reports and Notifications submitted by Jon Kelley The Board accepted the reports and placed on file. 1.VIII. Body Art Practitioner – New License Motion: To approve the Body Art Practitioner License for Lary Bou made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. 1.IX. Body Art Establishment and Practitioner Renewals for 2021 Motion: To approve and renew the Body Art Facilities and Body Art Practitioner Licenses for 2021 made by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, seconded by Erin Gendron. All in favor. 2. OLD BUSINESS 2.I. Update: COVID-19 Health and Human Services Director Joanne Belanger updated the Board regarding COVID-19. Ms. Belanger informed the Board of the partnership between the City and Trinity EMS, Inc. for COVID testing of city employees. Additionally, Trinity will be conducting a drive-through testing site for the next 3 Thursdays at Cawley Stadium for Lowell residents. Residents must book appointment times through the Trinity website. Additionally, there may be another company that will be conducting testing for Lowell residents and the announcement should be soon. The State has announced that the Stop the Spread testing sites will close at the end of the month and regional testing sites will begin at the start of the new year. Ms. Belanger is hopeful of obtaining one of the regional sites within the City. The CDC will be announcing new guidelines for testing and isolation/quarantining. Discussion on when testing should be conducted and about vaccination occurred. 3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 3.I. Departmental and Divisional Reports HHS Director Belanger informed the Board that the Recreation Department has made the move to the Merrimack Street offices. A number of the School Nurses continue to assist with contact tracing. CVS held flu clinics for students to obtain the mandatory influenza vaccine by December 31, 2020. When asked about travel out of state for sporting events, Ms. Belanger noted that currently all states except for Hawaii are under off limits under the State's travel restriction policies except for essential travel. Discussion of COVID testing in the schools occurred. The Board had no questions regarding the Divisional Reports. 4. Motion: To Adjourn Motion: to adjourn at 7:57 PM made by Lisa Golden, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE ON JANUARY 6, 2021 AT 6:00 PM.