2022-03-08-BOH-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dr.Heiger-Bernays suggested to have a statement with regard to showing kindness and inclusivity. She stated the Board of Health needs to recognize that individual businesses, places of worship, or other venues, have the right to require patrons to wear a mask in their facilities, if they so choose. She suggested that the we are not done with masks forever. Masks are still an available tool for another airborne infectious pathogen or the return of another Covid variant. She stated she would strongly suggest to use the wastewater data as a leading indicator to make decisions. She reiterated that masks are useful for protecting people's health. Dr. Hackett reviewed her written statement to the Board. She gave three recommendations: 1. The Board of Health lift the mask mandate for all, including Pre-K students, effective immediately. (This recommendation is consistent with CDC and MA DPH guidance, and it ultimately gives students/families and school staff a choice about whether to wear mask or not). 2. The Board of Health discontinue the practice of requiring masks on school buses or vans, which is consistent with CDC and MA DPH guidance (and DESE). 3. The Board of Health continue to follow the CDC guidance as it relates to mask, and Lexington Public Schools reserve the right to reinstate masks in schools at any time when CDC says it is needed. Dr. Heiger-Bernays expressed her appreciation to Dr. Hackett's clear and detailed description of both rationale for rescinding the mask order and also for the contingencies and the situations that are going to be faced in the schools. She reiterated individuals' preferences on masks. Mr. Flynn asked if the mask mandate is rescinded, does the public schools have authority to institute a mask mandate in special circumstances? Dr. Hackett responded yes. Ms. Wolf-Fordham inquired if the school data include data related to the LABB classrooms in the Lexington school system. Ms. Rufo stated the data are separated. Ms. Wolf-Fordham questioned do they share data. Ms. Rufo stated they could share with each other but they have not. Ms. Wolf- Fordham suggested to combine them together, because the LABB students share the same space and are particularly vulnerable. Ms. Wolf-Fordham also suggested that resources should be available to the preschool kids, to the LABB students if needed, and also to other elementary schools. The LABB students at the high school for example were breathing the same air as the non-LABB students. Ms. Wolf-Fordham inquired will masks be available for school students if they need them,because the nurse's office and some other places will still require masks be worn. Dr. Hackett stated they have enough supply of masks on hand for any student who needs one. Ms. Rufo expressed her appreciation for all the support from Board of Health. Ms. Wolf-Fordham made a motion to rescind the Covid-19 Public Health Mask Mandate originally adopted on August 12, 2021, (effective August 18, 2021 and amended on October 27,2021 and January 11,2022)to be effective at 12:01 AM on March 9,2022. Dr. Perlmutter seconded. Roll call vote: Mr. Flynn —Yes, Dr. Perlmutter — Yes, Ms. Wolf-Fordham — Yes, Dr. Geller—Yes, Dr. Heiger -Bernays- Yes. Motion carried 5 to 0. All in favor. 3