2021-03-23-BOH-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dr. Geller asked Dr. Hackett to speak to the Path to Zero Report where it states that high school students only need to be at a 6-foot distance when case rates are 100 per 100,000. Dr. Hackett agreed the guidelines are different than the DESE guidelines, but the data has changed/been edited often with the Path to Zero paper. Dr. Geller said he is happy where things are moving and getting the K- 8 students back to the classroom is great,but wants to see the high school students back to school too. Dr. Hackett said the issue with the high school is the space limitations. Even if the school required only 3 feet of distance, it would be impossible at the high school because of the limited space in areas such as hallways. Dr. Geller stated using the outside of the school buildings, with fresh air is a great plan. He is encouraged by the progress, but would like to have the high school students back into the classrooms. Mr. Flynn asked for confirmation that masks are being worn in the schools. Dr. Hackett said yes, even if vaccinated individuals are required to wear masks. She also communicated a requirement/condition for employment for the school year 2021-2022 is that staff is vaccinated by August 2021. Dr. Hackett stated the staff have been getting vaccinated. There was a parent group that assisted the staff in securing appointments. She said about 700 people have appointments. Dr. Hackett stated even if a staff member is vaccinated, wearing masks and maintaining all COVID-19 protocols is mandatory. Chair Wendy Heiger-Bernays asked for a Roll Call Vote to support the new Performance Arts Programs for singing and music instruments for the kindergarten through Stn grade schools as presented by Dr. Hackett with the condition of monitoring the programs. Flynn —Yes, Geller—Yes, Perlmutter—Yes Heiger-Bernays—Yes. 4 to 0 Motion passed. III. CANCELED— Dr. Joseph Allen, Professor of Exposure Assessment Science discussion Chair Heiger-Bernays stated Dr. Allen would not be attending tonight's meeting. She stated she knew Dr. Allan and has spoken with him in recently months. Dr. Allan supports students returning to the classroom for full day learning. He is aware of the good work of Mr. Cronin's and Dr. Hackett's teams have been doing to keep the school buildings safe. Chair Heiger-Bernays expressed the factors of masking, ventilating, densifying spaces and monitoring case counts as important factors in returning to the classroom. Chair Heiser-Bernays asked for public comment. Sacha Uljon 22 Peacock Farm Road placed a write up from Dr. Allen's Administrative Assistant in the "Chat" on the ZOOM meeting. March 23, 2021 Minutes 3 Board of Health