Orange County NC Website
MINUTES - Draft <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH <br /> May 27, 2020 <br /> Since receiving that email, it has now become a requirement for certain workers. Kristin Prelipp, <br /> Communications Manager, recited part of the Executive Order which includes "All restaurant, <br /> personal care, grooming, tattoo, and retail employees and staff shall wear a face covering while <br /> on duty, however notwithstanding this general requirement, people whose religious beliefs <br /> prevent them from wearing a Face Covering, people who cannot wear a Face Covering due to a <br /> medical or behavioral condition, and people who are under twelve (12) years of age are <br /> excepted from the requirement to wear a Face Covering. Children under two (2) years of age <br /> shall not wear a Face Covering so that their breathing may not be inhibited...". <br /> Ms. Prelipp also helped define what constituted as being a restaurant, still citing the Executive <br /> Order Number 141. Ms. Frega wanted to inform the Board that the decision was made by the <br /> MAC/Policy Group which includes the mayors of Hillsborough, Carrboro & Chapel Hill, Town <br /> Managers, the County Manager, Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, Public Information Officers, EMS <br /> Director, UNC Hospitals, BOCC Chair and our OCHD Health Director, Ms. Stewart. <br /> It was stated that there was discussion on having a mandated policy similar to Durham County; <br /> however, access to masks and enforcement were issues that influenced the decision not to do <br /> so. Ms. Frega relayed the information to the community member at that time. Ms. Frega noted <br /> that this discussion was just for informational purposes and for future reference, in case the <br /> Board wants to make a public stance on this topic. Discussion was also had on the specificity of <br /> religious exemptions. Ms. Stewart stated that the exemptions listed in the revised Orange <br /> County declaration did not include religious exemptions. If the public wants to report someone <br /> not in compliance with the face covering order, they have been instructed to call the COVID <br /> information line (919-245-6111) or 911 as law enforcement are technically legally to assist in <br /> enforcing these orders. As a result of recent guidance from DHHS regarding restaurants <br /> specifically regarding non-compliance, we may take other avenues to hold the restaurant <br /> owners accountable. Ms. Frega stated that further discussion can take place at next month's <br /> meeting if there are any additional developments between now and June. <br /> D. COVID-19 Update <br /> Quintana Stewart, Health Director, gave an update on the COVID-19 status in Orange County <br /> as well as took questions from the Board. Some highlights are below. <br /> • As of today at 11 am, <br /> ➢ in NC, there are: <br /> 0 24,628 confirmed lab cases <br /> 0 794 deaths with 63% occurring in the 75+ age group and 21% in the 65-74 <br /> age group <br /> 0 434 hospitalizations <br /> ➢ in OC, there are: <br /> 0 314 confirmed lab cases <br /> 0 40 deaths <br /> 0 27 hospitalizations <br /> 0 28 patients are being monitored <br /> o The bulk of the cases are from the 65+ age group; while 30% of cases fall <br /> into the 25-49 year old age group <br /> • There has been an increase in cases in the Latinx community. Staff is trying to find out <br /> what's going on and whether there's a cluster or something similar occurring? <br /> • There is an UNC mobile testing event occurring on June 51h in the northern part of the <br /> county in the parking lot of the Mt. Zion AME Church. The numbers are low there in the <br /> S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2020 Agenda &Abstracts/ <br /> May Page 5 <br />