Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes November 12, 2020 Present Excused Absent Ms. Dave Ms. Urbanus Mr. Abbasi Trustee Bromberg Dr. Drachler, Emeritus Ms. Varma Dr. Gaynes Ms. Haido Dr. Vernon Ms. Hanlon Ms. Kumar Dr. Werner Ms. Keeler Dr. Linn Dr. Williams Mr. Pandya Ms. Moy-Wooten Ms. Yau Mr. Usman Ms. Nickisch-Duggan Dr. Shim Dr. Sood Bruce Jones, Susan Reisberg, Staff A. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Dr. Werner, Chairman. Dr. Werner reminded that the meeting is being recorded and read a statement that meetings will be held electronically until further notice per the State of Illinois Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. Members of the public may submit questions to Mr. Bruce Jones and they will be presented and read during the relevant portion of the meeting. B. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 2020 meeting that was sent to members electronically were approved as well as the agenda. C. COVID-19 & Flu Updates: Dr. Werner stated this meeting will mostly concentrate on the COVID-19 crisis. He mentioned the Skokie Health Department has been extremely busy during this time. Ms. Reisberg reported. All seasonal flu clinics were completed and roughly 1500 residents were vaccinated. Village Employees were vaccinated as well. She reported that the Health Department has been extremely busy with contact tracing positive COVID-19 cases. Her staff has been able to contact, quarantine and educate all cases that come through the department on a daily basis. She also stated the Long-Term Care Facilities are having an increase in cases and have implemented testing staff twice a week. She stated the facilities are testing PPE to make sure they are acceptable to use. Also, she urged facilities to stay in touch with their medical suppliers about stock, because if there is a surge PPE will be hard to get. She mentioned that the Health Department is in constant contact with the Skokie Schools that are open, some schools that are open may go back to “remote learning” due to the increase of cases in classrooms. Dr. Werner asked, if school sports are competing. She replied to her best knowledge the teams are not competing at this time. She mentioned that school Superintendents have been on board with all the Health Department’s guidance. Ms. Reisberg says some of the biggest challenges have been with daycare centers. If there is an outbreak they must close the classes and parents must miss work. Also “Super Spreader Events” birthday parties, holiday events and young  people gathering with groups of friends. She says the only way to beat the virus is to stay away from the large gatherings. Mr. Jones shared an image of the Village Website and the COVID-19 resource page. He says it provides a multitude of resource links, including mitigation for business and case data. He says the COVID case data is based on information from the State and is posted as soon as they can. He also shared the IDPH COVID-19 informational website, and that Skokie is in Region 10. Dr. Vernon added that he is working remotely and maintaining his role with the State Health Department and providing guidance to schools throughout the State. He says the trends are very concerning to him and that the age range has shifted to the younger population. He believes it is due to personal behavior of not following the guidelines. He stresses the point that wearing a mask is important and the key to driving the rates down. Dr. Linn asked for clarification on what area does Region 10 cover on the IDPH map. Mr. Jones replied it is Cook County proper. Dr. Linn also stated he has observed a lack of compliance in Skokie businesses, people are not wearing their masks properly and not social distancing. He asked if residents been reporting these types of instances to the Village. Mr. Jones replied that his voicemail has received several complaints daily from citizens on this issue and they do follow up on all complaints. A lengthy discussion followed about outdoor eating tents, mask wearing signage and how to enforce the mandates. Ms. Moy-Wooten suggested that the board try to establish one action to spread public education. Dr. Drachler added there should be standards for wearing a mask as it is for food safety. Ms. Nickisch Duggan quoted the phrase “We are all in this together”. She says to try to campaign this to the community. Dr. Werner stated these are all good ideas and he will work with Mr. Jones to come up with an action. Dr. Werner wanted to go over talks about COVID vaccine and how it will be rolled out. Mr. Vernon stated there is a committee established to put plans in place by the time the vaccine is ready for distribution. Discussion ended. D. Old/New Items of Business: Dr. Werner said a vaping letter was composed by Dr. Williams and was sent to the Mayor. Dr. Linn has established a PSA on bicycle safety and it will be rolled out in the spring. E. Citizen Comments: Mr. Jones reported there were not citizens comments. F. Adjournment: Dr. Werner wished everyone a good and safe holiday. Meeting adjourned at 8:08pm. Next Board of Health Meeting: Thursday, January 14, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Board of Health Members-Virtual via Zoom Meetings