09/23/2021 BOARD OF HEALTH Minutes

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Tom Stanley, Main Street,introduced himself for the record. He expressed his opinion that masks do not work and, to put them on our children and administer vaccines that haven been proven, does not seem right. A female resident, who identified herself as a veteran with PTSD, expressed her opinion that it should be a personal choice whether or not to wear a mask. Ms.Sprout asked if the school's outfitted with pulse ox meters to measure oxygen levels,and the Health Agent stated that he would inquire with the nurse coordinator. Chair Baumgaertel advised everyone present that he appreciated their comments. He stated that the Town-wide mandate is not on the table but, as the Board of Health, we are required to continually review these things. He expressed that he understands all the frustration, but he believes we are approaching the time when we can take the masks off the kids and vaccinate them against the virus. He stated that, regardless of the Board's position, the mask mandate in schools is a state mandate that must be followed through October 15Y Ms. Sprout asked for clarification on Commissioner Riley's mask mandate, and Mr. Harrington stated that, as he understood it, schools where students and staff were at 80%vaccination rate were exempt from having to wear the mask. The school has not made any statement to the Board of Health relative to their vaccination rates. Ms. Sprout expressed her opinion that not enough research has been done on the safety of vaccinating children. Mr. Virgilio commented on the decision previously made by the Board to uphold the mask mandate in the schools, which he supported at the time, with the expectation that the matter would be revisited at a later meeting. He expressed his own frustration with the masks,and stated that he firmly believes that it should be the parent or guardian's decision to mask their child. There was a brief discussion about the posting requirements for upcoming meetings. Chair Baumgaertel acknowledged that there is a lot of conflicting information about the efficacy of masks. There being no further comments or discussion, Ernest Virgilio moved to rescind the Board's prior vote to support a mask mandate in the school, and further moved to support masking based on the decision of each parent or guardian. There was no second. Chair Baumgaertel asked everyone present to give Board members an opportunity to review the information and comments provided that evening,and to compare it against the science and data that the Board currently has at its disposal. After the Board has had that opportunity, and after the October 15`date for review by the state,Chair Baumgaertel agreed that the Board could revisit the matter at a public meeting,and make an informed decision at that time. There was discussion about holding an additional meeting in early October, immediately afterthe decision is announced by the state. The Health Agent was asked to check with the Town Clerk on room availability. NEW BUSINESS 1. Review and approval of meeting minutes. There were no minutes available for review. 4