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MINUTES - Draft <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH <br /> June 23,2021 <br /> • Comm. Jean Hamilton — Requested that the Board set the statute requirement aside for <br /> a minute and asked if they'd like to meet remotely? Mr. Baldwin commented that, based <br /> on the May minutes, there were some that did based on technology being available. <br /> • Keith Bagby— He stated that he personally gets more out of in-person meetings. He <br /> also mentioned that there would need to be thoughts of alternate locations if we're to <br /> meet in-person. Ms. Stewart has stated that the BOCC room is in demand; however, <br /> that we're working with County IT to continue to work in a virtual format. The option of <br /> possibly using both conference rooms and what it would look like logistically was <br /> mentioned. <br /> • Jessica Frega — If we're all vaccinated, other than psychological aspect, she'd personally <br /> prefer to meet in person. As a Board, we would need to be comfortable disclosing <br /> vaccination status. Discussion would also need to occur regarding public attendance. <br /> • Aparna Jonnal — She prefers to meet in person. The science allows us to relax a little. It <br /> would also help to minimize screen time. She understands that Commissioner Hamilton <br /> is a little busier and would have more meetings to travel to; therefore, it's also nice to <br /> respect those that want to remain remote as long as it's allowed. <br /> • Commissioner Jean Hamilton — She expressed how she likes to consider individual <br /> preference regarding meeting remotely. As a psychotherapist, some of her clients prefer <br /> remote while others do not. She likes the option to be open to everyone. <br /> B. Health Director Report <br /> In addition to her report, some of items Ms. Stewart briefly highlighted are below. <br /> • She's starting to transition back to pre-COVID activities including working on the <br /> departmental Strategic Plan using the RBA approach. <br /> • NCALHD is back to having its monthly in-person meetings in Raleigh. <br /> • Legislative bills being watched: <br /> o House Bill 61 — Communicable Disease Funding. COVID has shown how budget <br /> cuts have strained public health infrastructure over the years and affected the <br /> ability to respond to the pandemic. <br /> o House Bill 572 — No Vaccine Mandate by Executive Order, Rule or Agency. <br /> C. COVID-19 Update <br /> Quintana Stewart, Health Director, gave an update on the COVID-19 status in Orange County <br /> (OC) as well as took questions from the Board. Some highlights are below. <br /> • According to the county alert system, OC is still in the yellow tier, which indicates <br /> significant county spread. <br /> • The State expanded the incentive program that offers a $25 gift card for those <br /> vaccinated for the first time. OC was on the list to be added to this expansion group. <br /> • DHHS has shared that the Delta variant is spreading quickly throughout the US and is <br /> present in NC. As more is learned, Ms. Stewart will send email updates to the Board. <br /> • In OC, 61% OC residents are fully vaccinated and 64% partially vaccinated. This stat is <br /> based on the overall population of OC which includes the 12% that are not yet eligible — <br /> those under 12 years of age. <br /> • Of those vaccinated in OC: <br /> o Only 45% of the men are vaccinated. They make up 48% of the population. <br /> S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/ <br /> June Page 5 <br />