BOH Minutes 11-19-20 amended City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: November 19,2020
Place: Via Google Meet
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,Bruce Doig, Community Services Director
Amended Minutes of November 19,2020
Recorder: Kathleen McCullough
Mr. Burke called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Higgins motioned to accept the minutes of the Board of Health meeting of October S, 2020.
Mr. Alpine seconded the motion.
Mr. Burke gave the Board an update on Covid-19. The department has hired four part-time
nurses to investigate and trace Covid-19 cases. The number of cases have increased since the
summer. All abutting towns have also seen an increase in cases. Teresa Kirsch, Public Health
Nurse has been putting in a lot of time tracing Covid-19 cases. There are now more testing sites
resulting in more positive cases. More has been learned since the spring as how to handle the
pandemic such as educating the public, wearing masks, social distancing and getting tested when
needed.
The schools remain open on a hybrid model which means some remote classes. Wellness in
the schools includes mental health issues and substance abuse.
On October 16, 2020 the Board of Health rescinded the remaining section of the Emergency
Order Regarding Evictions and Inspection which had gone into effect on April 5, 2020. The
majority of the order had been previously rescinded to be in align with the Governor's order.
Ms. Higgins motioned to accept and Mr. Alpine seconded the motion. All in favor.
The Beverly Health Department conducted a drive-thru flu clinic for ages 65 and older on
October 12, 2020. Teresa Kirsh attended drive-thru clinics in other towns to learn how they were
set up. Anyone interested in coming to the clinic was required to call the office and be
registered by the office staff. A number of nurses helped to vaccinate and other duties.
Approximately one hundred participated and it went smoothly. This was also credit for a drill
City of Beverly Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: November 19,2020
Place: Via Google Meet
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,Bruce Doig, Community Services Director
Amended Minutes of November 19,2020
Recorder: Kathleen McCullough
Mr. Burke called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Higgins motioned to accept the minutes of the Board of Health meeting of October 8, 2020.
Mr. Alpine seconded the motion.
Mr. Burke gave the Board an update on Covid-19. The department has hired four part-time
nurses to investigate and trace Covid-19 cases. The number of cases have increased since the
summer. All abutting towns have also seen an increase in cases. Teresa Kirsch, Public Health
Nurse has been putting in a lot of time tracing Covid-19 cases. There are now more testing sites
resulting in more positive cases. More has been learned since the spring as how to handle the
pandemic such as educating the public, wearing masks, social distancing and getting tested when
needed.
The schools remain open on a hybrid model which means some remote classes. Wellness in
the schools includes mental health issues and substance abuse.
On October 16, 2020 the Board of Health rescinded the remaining section of the Emergency
Order Regarding Evictions and Inspection which had gone into effect on April 5, 2020. The
majority of the order had been previously rescinded to be in align with the Governor's order.
Ms. Higgins motioned to accept and Mr. Alpine seconded the motion. All in favor.
The Beverly Health Department conducted a drive-thru flu clinic for ages 65 and older on
October 12, 2020. Teresa Kirsh attended drive-thru clinics in other towns to learn how they were
set up. Anyone interested in coming to the clinic was required to call the office and be
registered by the office staff. A number of nurses helped to vaccinate and other duties.
Approximately one hundred participated and it went smoothly. This was also credit for a drill