Orange County NC Website
MINUTES - Draft <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH <br /> October 27, 2021 <br /> • We are down 20% with staffing, as there are 23 vacancies at the OCHD that are spread <br /> out across all of the divisions with the OCHD. Several departments in the county are <br /> experiencing similar staffing vacancies including Human Resources, which has slowed <br /> the process a little. Interviews are ongoing. Ms. Stewart thanked all of the staff and <br /> stated that we are focused on trying to fill all of the vacant positions. The staff was <br /> praised as they're dealing with staffing shortages while still responding to Covid-related <br /> tasks. Ms. Stewart has also stated that in her 1:1 s with staff, she is having <br /> conversations pertaining to what it will take to keep staff. <br /> • We're having an All Staff meeting this Friday at Fairview Park, weather permitting. While <br /> there will be a costume contest, we will have work to do including reviewing some <br /> policies with the staff. Invitation to attend was extended to the Board; however, Ms. <br /> Stewart asked that they let her know if they're coming to prevent a quorum from forming. <br /> E. 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 /> • The Delta variant is still dominant in NC. <br /> • According to the county alert system, OC went from high to substantial community <br /> spread. Substantial range is 50-99 new cases per 100K people. OC is currently in the <br /> mid-60s. <br /> • As of today, there were 18 new cases and 110 total deaths. Most of the deaths were in <br /> those unvaccinated. <br /> • OC has 70% fully vaccinated and 73% partially vaccinated. <br /> • In regards to boosters, we completely used all of the Moderna vaccines, which were <br /> being offered at SHSC, but there are more on the way. <br /> • We are awaiting final approval for the 5-11 year olds to be eligible to be vaccinated. <br /> We're engaging in planning with partners and school districts. We're also looking to <br /> offer clinics in the evenings as the children will be out of school. <br /> • As of Tuesday, there is only one outbreak at the OC Detention Center. <br /> F. Media Items <br /> Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager, mentioned that the articles in the Board packet were <br /> just a selection of the numerous COVID-19-related articles. Included in the Board's packet were <br /> articles regarding a CBS 17 article on Orange County testing efforts, Chapelboro article on the <br /> state's vaccination data error, and a Herald Sun article on the Orange County jail Covid-19 <br /> outbreak. Ms. Prelipp also mentioned that will be Halloween guidance posted on the Health <br /> Department's website. <br /> Media items were in the packet which focused on Orange County's events and our <br /> involvement in various efforts. <br /> VIII. Board Comments <br /> No comments. <br /> S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda &Abstracts\2021 Agenda &Abstracts/ <br /> October Page 6 <br />