HomeMy Public PortalAboutBoard of Health Minutes 1-20-2021BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
MINUTES
The Watertown Board of Health has scheduled a REMOTE ZOOM meeting on
Wednesday January 20, 2021 at 7:00 pm
PRESENT: Dr. John Straus, Chairperson and Dr. Barbara Beck, Secretary; Richard Arnold,
Board Member.
Staff: Larry Ramdin, Director of Public Health, Wil Van Dinter, Public Health Nurse, Maureen
Foley, Head Clerk
In attendance Lisa Capoccia, Resident, Heather McManus, BioSafety Committee, Amy
Plovnick, Bike Ped Committee, Rob Derosier, Triumvirate Environmental
CALL TO ORDER: Dr. Straus called the meeting to order 7:05 pm
Minutes
Minutes were approved for December 16, 2020 meeting,
Motions granted (Beck, Straus) 2-0.
All in favor.
Public Comment
Amy Plovnick, Bike Ped Committee stated both Bike Ped and Board of Health committees can
coordinate and communicate with each other for vaccine and other upcoming health events.
Dr. Straus recommended for Ms. Plovnick to reach out to the Wellness coordinator, Stephanie
Venizelos also.
Tectonic Therapeutic
Heather McManus, BioSafety Committee recommended permitting Tectonic after they meet the
additional requirements. Dr. McManus stated those requirements were met.
Motions granted (Beck, Arnold) 3-0.
All in favor.
Biosafety Applications
Rob Derosier, Triumvirate Environmental stated he was impressed with the knowledge and
experience the BioSafety Committee brought to the process.
There are 40 labs that have to comply with the new safety protocols by July 1, 2021.
COVID -19 Update
Watertown has current to date 765 cases, total of 1784 cases, 1543 have recovered and 30
fatalities.
The cause of the increase in activity with COVID is due to family spread, sporting activities and
subset of Watertown residents. Watertown provided testing at the Commander's Mansion, cases
increased. The Broad Institute is conducting those tests for residents only.
Health Department has a robust social media presence regarding COVID, vaccine qualifications,
protocols and state recommendations.
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COVID 19 Vaccines
Watertown Health conducted two COVID vaccine clinics (1/14 & 1/15/21). The clinics
inoculated 183 first responders and healthcare workers.
The client needs to register online, the vaccinator screens the client, the client is vaccinated and
the client remains in a waiting area for signs of adverse reactions for 15 minutes. The process is
unlike the flu vaccine. Watertown Health has not received state guidance on the vaccines outside
of health care workers and first responders either inoculations or distributions.
Response from the Public
Lisa Capoccia, a resident stressed concerns related to Watertown employees not wearing masks,
requested COVID data by age and changes regarding cases over time. She wanted to know how
the department was planning for the new strains and our prevention measures. She stated the
Town Council does not have a standing COVID item at the hearings.
Staffing and Department Update
Karen O'Reilly, ACO left her position for another community on January 20, 2021.
Next Meeting
Scheduled for Wednesday February 17, 2021
Adiourn: Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. (Motion Beck, seconded by Straus 3-0)
Respectfully submitted: Larry Ramdin, Director of Public Health
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