10-8-2020 minute meetings
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: October 8, 2020
Place: Via Google Zoom Webinar
Board members present: William J. Alpine Jr. Esq. and Susan Higgins, PE
Board Members Absent:Frank S. Carbone Jr. MD
Others present: William Burke, Director of Public Health, Teresa Kirsch, Public Health
Nurse and Bruce Doig, Community Services Director
Recorder:Kathleen McCullough
Mr. Alpine called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Higgins motioned to accept the minutes of the Board of Health meeting of July 30, 2020.
Mr. Alpine seconds the motion.
Mr. Burke read the agenda and the emergency order delaying implementation of Step 2
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re-opening plans and limitations on gatherings which went into effect on October 5.
The order states that the City of Beverly will not advance to Step 2 Phase III of the States Re-
Opening Plan. The city will continue in the Step 1 Phase III gathering limitations. There is
concern that the daily infection rate for Covid-19 will continue to rise and steps must be taken to
protect the health and safety of the residents through safety measures for commercial, recreational
and social activities.
Ms. Higgins asked why there is not an end date to the order and would it be dependent on the
monitoring of any increase in Covid-19 cases. Mr. Burke said a date is not really needed at this time
and can be changed later. There is a concern that opening the city up to larger venues would include
churches, halls, theatres and concerts at schools and colleges. Also there could be a spillover from
Salem of the Halloween events during October. The City will monitor the number
of cases during this period and make changes if necessary.
Mr. Alpine inquired if this order is consistent with the Governor’s Order. Mr. Burke said
it is and the Board of Health can be even stricter if necessary.
Ms. Higgins motioned to accept the order, Mr. Alpine seconded, and it was approved.
The Health Department has hired four part time nurses to help with case investigations and
tracing. Teresa Kirsch is working closely with the three nurses at Endicott College.
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A Flu clinic is planned for October 21 at the Beverly Senior Center. This will be a drive-thru
event offering the high dose vaccine for people ages 65 and over. They must preregister by phone
and will be given instructions because it will be something totally new to everyone participating.
The Dental Clinic’s part-time clerk has resigned and Ms. Tanzella, the hygienist, is getting resumes
for the position and hopefully will be filling it soon. There is new Covid-19 guidance for the clinic
and an portable aerosol unit has been installed.
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Salem held their Household Hazardous Waste Day on September 12. Beverly residents were
allowed to attend. The Beverly event that was to be held last April had been cancelled.
The 2021 HHW Day for Beverly is scheduled next April.
Ms. Higgins motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Alpine seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
The next scheduled meeting is November 19, 2020.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy McCullough