October 2020 Board Meeting

1. COVID-19 Update

   Dr. W. Ahmed provided an update on the status of COVID-19 cases in our region.  The province has officially declared that it is in the second wave of the virus, notably in the GTA region.  We are seeing case counts of 700-800 cases per day in the Toronto, Peel, Ottawa, York and Hamilton regions, while we are reporting mostly single digits in Windsor-Essex.

   We have declared an outbreak in a bunkhouse at one farm.  The approximately 20 workers are no longer infectious and are going back to work.  The number of cases from close contacts is increasing, suggesting that people continue to gather, despite recommendations and restrictions.

   The Province has moved to testing based on appointments to help clear the current backlog of tests, and conduct direct testing for those who are symptomatic.   COVID testing is also available through three Shoppers Pharmacies in Windsor for residents with symptoms.

   The WECHU will be moving to a more interactive website, which will allow individuals different options on how to view the data.  We will continue to build on answering questions from the public as well as the media.

   School cases are still relatively low compared to other regions.  We are communicating regularly with the school boards and we currently have no outbreaks.  Moving forward we do anticipate there will be more cases in the community and will continue to work with the Agri-Sector and Long-Term Care/Retirement Homes to provide guidance to prevent cases in their high-risk settings.  Our WECHU team is working with about 65 active cases in our region.

   Moved by:    Fabio Costante
   Seconded by:  Judy Lund
   That the information be received.
   CARRIED

1. Regular Board Meeting:  September 17, 2020
   Moved by:  Judy Lund
   Seconded by:  Rino Bortolin
   That the minutes be approved.
   CARRIED

Moved by:  Ed Sleiman
Seconded by:  Gary Kaschak
That the information reports be received.
CARRIED

1. INFORMATION REPORTS
   1. Q3 Quarterly Report (L. Gregg)
      Brought to the Board for information.
      R. Bortolin asked if there have been further conversations with the Ministry providing coverage for overages around our deficit. T. Marentette said that the WECHU has submitted its extraordinary expenses related to COVID-19 to the Ministry.  The Ministry has responded back to health units with questions for clarity and we are in the process of completing this.  Further discussion on this will continue in Committee of the Whole.
   2. Influenza Season (2020/2021) (K .McBeth)
      Brought to the Board for information.
   3. Safe Return to School – COVID-19 Engagement, Resources and Collaboration (N. Dupuis)
   4. September Communications Recap (L. Gregg)
2. RECOMMENDATION REPORTS – None

1. Letter from the Ministry of the Solicitor General – Enforcement and Amendments under the Reopening Act, 2020               
2. Letter from Town of Lakeshore – Resolution passed – that Lakeshore Council request that the WECHU notify businesses prior to releasing names of businesses where persons with COVID-19 have attended.
    J. Lund asked if the WECHU will notify business when they will be included in a public announcement around possible COVID-19 exposure. T. Marentette advised that this is our practice and the Resolution from Lakeshore Council is likely in response to an earlier notification where the business was not aware of a prior announcement.  Our current practice addresses this issue and we will abide by this Resolution. 

    

    

    

   Moved by:  Gary McNamara
   Seconded by:   Joe Bachetti
   That the information be received.
   CARRIED