HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-2020 JUNE 24 2020 MINUTES
Deschutes County Health Services
Public Health Advisory Board
MINUTES
MINUTES
June 24, 2020
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
via Zoom videoconferencing
Facilitator Keith Winsor, Chair
Staff Coordinator Tom Kuhn, Community Health Manager
Scribe Tom Kuhn
Next Meeting August 26, 2020 - Location TBD
Topic and Lead
Introductions and approval of the May meeting minutes
The Board introduced themselves to guests and guest Durlin Hickok introduced himself. Jim
made a motion to approve the minutes, which were seconded by Dr. Ross.
Updates and Unfinished Business
Hillary Saraceno Acknowledgement: PHAB members went around the table and thanked Hillary
for her service. Tom sent out a list of Hillary’s accomplishments. There was a discussion about
the lack of mask wearing in the community. Dr. Rob Ross mentioned that St. Charles met with
Senator Tim Knopp, who is writing a bill that will allow medical professionals to opt out of
getting a COVID 19 vaccine. Dave Huntley mentioned that Cheri Helt is very supportive of
vaccines and strengthening vaccine laws.
Health Heroes Winners: Dave Huntley suggested that we present the award winners,
individual Ken Wilhelm, and organization Central Oregon Veteran’s Outreach, with plaques and
then invite them to one of our next zoom meetings. The group agreed with this plan. Tom will
make arrangements and try to get the winners on the August or September meeting schedule.
PHAB Member Round Table
Keith decided to shorten the Round Table. He asked Durlin to give an update. Durlin said he
and his wife are isolating themselves at their property. They do limited socializing with friends.
He mentioned there could be political unrest in countries they’d like to visit as a result of the
fallout of COVID.
COVID 19 update
Heather said cases are increasing and that right now there are 149 new cases with 137
recovered and no hospitalizations. Last week there were 6 cases, but more cases are coming
in after this past weekend. Weekly updates are given every Tuesday and 1,000 tests are being
performed every week now. In Deschutes County, we are monitoring contact tracing, while
other counties are not. There are worries with more visitors coming to Central Oregon. We
are working with fire partners around COVID considerations with fire camps. Kari Coe is doing
a lot of work with long term care facilities. The Governor is mandating that LTCFs have a
testing plan in place for their staff and we are trying to help support these efforts.
“To promote and protect the health and safety of our community.” Updated 8/4/20
Keith asked about testing locally, thinking that we would be doing 3,000 tests weekly. Six
hundred a week is the minimum expected. He also asked about the OHSU testing study where
there were no positives. Dr. Ross said that tests are probably only 70% accurate. Jim
mentioned that the virus moves throughout the body, which can impact false negatives.
Fire Season update
Doug Johnson, from the Forest Service, is hoping to work more closely with PH this fire season
and will email the board a copy of the Regional Best Management Practices. He is already
working with Jill Johnson regarding some firefighters returning from Nevada who were exposed
to the virus. Doug is forecasting an above normal fire season due to drought conditions in
most of Oregon. They are currently at a preparedness level of 3 on a scale from 1 to 5, 1
having resources and 5, not. So far, the Forest Service has responded to 105 fires this year in
Central Oregon. There are about 400 fire starts a year with 50% being human caused. Doug
said they purchased an additional helicopter this year for a total of 3 now. Doug will supply a
total assets list. There are 300 people working in fire management in Central Oregon. COVID
hazards this year will create additional concerns. They are emphasizing mask wearing when 6
feet distancing cannot be implemented and will be checking more with firefighters in regards to
how they feel. They have also been asking people to stay home if not feeling well. Doug is
putting a contact list together for all partners involved.
Keith asked about fireworks and how they can be prevented. Federal Lands view fireworks as
illegal, including transportation. There are no good solutions to the issues. Deschutes National
th
Forest Service will be making fires illegal outside of designated campsites starting June 25.
Rebeckah asked about smoke and COVID concerns. Will bring in air resource advisors to
identify vulnerable population areas. Dr. Ross indicated that St. Charles now has Rapid tests
available that could be available for firefighters.
Adjourn at 1:30 p.m.
Board Members Present: Keith Winsor, Rebeckah Berry, Rob Ross, Dave Huntley, Sharity
Ludwig, Jason Jundt, Jim Powell
Staff Present: Tom Kuhn, Hillary Saraceno, Heather Kaisner
Guests: Durlin Hickock, Doug Johnson
“To promote and protect the health and safety of our community.” Updated 8/4/20