Effective July 1, Marion Public Health Nurse Lori Desmarais will also officially begin in an expanded role as the town’s public health director/nurse after a vote by the Marion Board of Health on June 23.
During a brief Zoom meeting, the board also voted to approve an expanded job description that will allow Desmarais to move up a rung on the town’s employee grid and receive what BOH Chair Dr. Ed Hoffer called a “well deserved raise,” adding, “We made a good choice.”
“I agree, big time,” said BOH member Dr. John Howard.
In her Public Health Nurse update, Desmarais reported the total absence of new COVID-19 cases during June. There were five reported cases in May; four of the five were under age 18 and those four were under age 12. None displayed significant symptoms.
“Obviously, things are going well,” said Desmarais, reporting a total of 494 Marion cases to date. There are no active cases at the nursing home and the June 26 BOH meeting marked 41 days since the facility had an active case. Desmarais said there is still regularly scheduled testing at the facility for non-vaccinated people.
The mosquito-related virus season began on June 14, and the town is awaiting the first reports on that front. Residents are allowed up to eight sprays per season; call Plymouth County Mosquito Control or the Marion Board of Health. Desmarais anticipates updates on streets scheduled for spraying to be posted at marionma.gov.
In her Health Agent update, Anna Wimmer told the board that she was still trying to make contact with the owner of 704 Mill Street, and she observed dumpsters at 33 Pitcher Street where the property is still being cleaned up. She also told the board that she and Building Commissioner Scott Shippey visited 13 Wianno Road where they learned there are several issues, but that the family of the former owner was actively in the process of resolving the situation.
With the coronavirus pandemic “largely behind us,” and the ability to call meetings as needed, Hoffer proposed monthly meetings for July and August. With a public hearing already scheduled for Tuesday, July 6, it was decided the board will next meet on July 6. The board will also meet on Tuesday, August 3, before going back to bi-weekly meetings beginning in September.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Tuesday, July 6, at 4:00 pm.
Marion Board of Health
By Mick Colageo