Prior to the October 20 meeting of the Marion Board of Health, Chairperson Dr. Edward Hoffer had distributed via email published comments written by his friend and medical colleague Dr. Steven Kanner, who has over 50 years of practicing internal medicine. Kanner’s insights into the current pandemic were appreciated by the members and believed to be critical details worthy of the read.
In his text Kanner states, “SARS-CoV-2 is not going away anytime soon. Infections in Massachusetts have crept up to high hundreds in the past week…and national infections are over 40,000 daily … national deaths continue to accumulate at discouraging rates. Cold weather is likely to facilitate even more infections.”
Kanner said that, while a vaccine will be found, widespread distribution isn’t likely until the third quarter of 2021. He said that a moderately effective vaccine with 60 to 70 percent efficacy would slow the spread, but with exposure, infection rates would be 30-40 percent.
Other notable sound bites from Kanner contained advice on what to do if one becomes ill and the disease is confirmed via testing – isolation at home. Mild cases will last 10-14 days. Isolation of 10 days after initial symptoms is prescribed, and a positive test requires the quarantine period.
Disease transmission was another important point of Kanner’s, in which he stated that while distancing of 6 feet or more is helpful, aerosol transmission, fine virus-carrying mist, can float and persist in the air and can move widely indoors in spite of masks. Good handwashing remains high on the list of helping to prevent transmission and infection, as well as the wearing of masks.
In summary, Kanner tells us, “This is our life for the next six months, almost for sure: You must continue to wear a mask whenever in contact with others, continue to socially distance (at least 6 feet) even when you have a mask on, and wash your hands (or use sanitizer) frequently. Outdoor activities can be done without a mask if you are truly separated from others, otherwise a mask remains necessary for everyone’s protection. All indoor events carry risk of infection despite masks and separation.”
Public Health Nurse Lori Desmarais reported that Marion has 22 cases of COVID-19 with two currently active cases. She said that she was working closely with the Sippican School nurse and that contact tracing was well in hand. Tabor was another bright spot as Desmarais reported testing had gone well and that a campus flu clinic would reach all remaining students and staff needing inoculation.
Of the two cases reported at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, Desmarais said the people were not from Marion, prompting Board of Health member Dot Brown to quip, “But it affects Marion, right?”
Flu clinics have been conducted Desmarais reported with a second public clinic planned for Friday, October 23. While the final clinic is via appointment when asked by Hoffer was there sufficient vaccine for people just showing up, she confirmed they could be served. When the clinics have closed for the season Marion’s Public Health outreach would have provided some 250 vaccinations.
The Marion BOH is planning next steps in vaccine distribution with the implementation of a PrepMod software system. As noted in the August 2020 issue of the Massachusetts Health Officers Association newsletter, this is an “online, paperless system that local health departments can use at their immunization clinics to schedule, screen, bill and report to the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS).” Hoffer said the state was offering the software to all cities and towns.
Board of Health Agent Dave Flaherty reported that CERT training had begun with Marion Police and Fire departments.
Flaherty also shared that he has been following up complaints of youths gathering without wearing masks and that the Police Department was assisting in this matter. There had also been mask complaints from customers of restaurants that were also being investigated.
On the matter of derelict buildings, Flaherty noted that 464 Front Street remained a problem and that the police were following up complaints that minors were living in the building. Hoffer said he had had a conversation with the property owner’s attorney, who stated that measures to clean up the property were underway with contractors hired. Flaherty said that not much was being done to the property. If the site does not comply with mandated clean-up, a standing order to tear down the single-family home in December will be carried out.
Clean up at 26 Pitcher Street is underway, Flaherty said, but neighboring 33 Pitcher remained a problem. He said, “I don’t know how to get a hold of someone who doesn’t pick up their mail.”
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health was not announced before adjournment.
Marion Board of Health
By Marilou Newell