Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health Thursday, January 13, 2022 7:00 PM Zoom Remote Meeting MINUTES Present: Dr. William Werner; BOH Members: Dr. Swapna Dave, Juliet Haido, Maureen Hanlon, Dr. Edward Linn, Heidi Nickisch Duggan, Dr. Rohit Pandya, Dr. Jeremy Swartz, Dr. Kyungran Shim, Dr. Romil Sood, Patricia Urbanus, Irtaza Usman,Ruth Varma, Dr. Michael Vernon, Dr. Larry Williams; Sibyl Yau; Staff: Bruce A. Jones Not Present/Excused: Emeritus: Dr. Michael Drachler, Dr. Bruce Gaynes, Margaret Keeler, Dr. Girija Kalyan Kumar; Trustee Liaison James Johnson, Trustee Liaison Keith Robinson; Staff: Mike Charley, Sue Reisberg I. Call to Order @ 7:05 PM II. Approval of Agenda: Approved by Consent Vote III. Approval of Minutes: December 9, 2021: Approved by Consent Vote IV. Chair’s Report Dr. Werner, BOH Chair: Dr. Werner shared a couple slides pertaining to cloth masks that might not protect against the Omicron Variant and the details on what type of masks are better such as approved N95 masks and NIOSH respirators. The Boards discussed several issues on this topic pertaining to what type of masks should be used, with the 3M Aura N95 Mask being the most predominantly recommended and used. Some members spoke about their use of double masking, masking with the use of face shields and the reuse of masks after sterilization. V. COVID-19 Presentation Dr. Vishnu Chundi, Chair of the Chicago Medical Society COVID-19 Task Force gave a very detailed and informative presentation on the Covid-19 pandemic and the virus itself. He gave the Board a COVID-19 Situational Update not only in the United States but globally, information on the vaccines and detailed material on the Delta and Omicron Variants. Dr. Chundi urged the Board and all the medical community to consider “Fully vaccinated” as having the 3 doses, not saying get 2 doses and boosted. Dr. Chundi commented that the vaccines do not always prevent transmission or spread but affords the “Fully vaccinated” individual the protection to fight the disease. The question of herd immunity was raised. Dr. Chundi said there is really no such thing as herd immunity – this is an old antiquated veterinary term and to reach the predicted  percentage we would have millions of deaths and everyone would get the virus. VI. COVID-19 and Pregnancy Presentation, Dr. Edward Linn, BOH Member Dr. Linn presented on COVID-19 Vaccination and Women’s Reproductive Health Considerations. Dr. Linn communicated that obstetrician-gynecologists and other women’s health care practitioners should lead by example by being vaccinated and encouraging all eligible patients to be vaccinated as well. Studies have shown hospitalized women of reproductive age who had COVID-19 and were pregnant were at greater risk for severe illness, no increased risk of adverse obstetrical or neonatal outcomes were reported, and claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility are unfounded and have no scientific evidence supporting them. One study demonstrated that pregnant individuals were less likely to experience COVID-19 when vaccinated. VII. Director’s Monthly Report Bruce Jones, Environmental Health Supervisor provided updates on COVID-19, including new CDC & IDPH Guidance on Isolation & Quarantine, how Skokie HHS is administering all three available vaccines to all eligible age groups during the Skokie’s HHS vaccine clinic schedule. Skokie vaccination data was presented, resident COVID-19 cases on the rise with a spike recently, Skokie’s community transmission rate was “high”, provided a chart that showed Skokie cases as of January 2022. Other updates included: Two HHS Positions are currently vacant and posted a Social Worker and Public Health Program Coordinator/Analyst. Assist a Family Program was a HUGE Success: Human Services distributed Target & Jewel Food Store gift cards to 167 families (690 Individuals) NEW GRANTS: COVID-19 Crisis Grant: $133,005 for period of 01/01/2022 to 06/30/2023 COVID-19 Response Grant: $175,000 for period of 01/01/2022 to December 31, 2022 (Application Process Open). Old/New Items of Business: None Public Comments: None Adjournment at 8:26 PM Next Meeting: February 10, 2022, 7:00 p.m.