The Health Department Board of Trustees could vote on extending the county’s face mask order and on other COVID-19 related matters at its next monthly meeting, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday (Dec. 21), at its Hillsboro office.
Only 11 people are allowed in the meeting room, including board members and Health Department staff members.
However, the department will live stream the meeting on its YouTube channel.
According to the agenda for the meeting, the board could vote on whether to extend the current face mask order, which went into effect 12:01 a.m. Nov. 27 and ends 5 p.m. Dec. 21.
It is a joint order with the county government and is intended to limit the spread of COVID-19. The order does not call for any type of fine or penalty for people who violate it.
The board also could vote on an amendment to a board resolution requiring face masks at all Health Department properties, which would allow an exemption for board members for religious beliefs or health issues.
The board could vote to extend its contract with Maximus Federal Services, which has been conducting contact tracing for the department. In October, the board approved a contract for up to $1.63 million with the company for the service. If the contract is not extended, it would end Dec. 31.
In addition, the board could vote to change the duration of quarantine for positive COVID-19 cases, and it could consider eliminating quarantine recommendations for probable cases and eliminating quarantine duration recommendations for students and teachers who receive a rapid negative test.
The board also could vote to lease property, according to the agenda.
County COVID-19 stats
The Jefferson County Health Department reported 195 more COVID-19 cases today (Dec. 18), bringing the total number of cases to 15,307 since the first ones were reported in March.
The county currently has an estimated 6,043 active cases, the highest number since the start of the pandemic, the Health Department reported.
However, Brianne Zwiener, communications specialist with the Health Department, said the agency no longer follows up with all COVID-19 patients, so the active case number is an estimate.
Zwiener also said the Health Department typically closes out positive COVID-19 cases after 10 days, although there can be a delay in case closures.
Of the county’s total coronavirus cases, 1,072 have been at long-term care facilities, which includes residents and staff members who live in Jefferson County.
Of the 120 COVID-19 deaths in the county, 59 have been from long-term care facilities, the Health Department reported.
The county remains at the red level on the Health Department’s COVID-19 warning system, for the seventh consecutive week.
Red is the highest level on the Health Department’s four-color system and indicates widespread and uncontrolled transmission of the virus.
To control the spread of the virus, health officials urge residents to follow the county’s face mask order, which requires residents to wear face masks while in public spaces when social distancing cannot be maintained. There are no fines or penalties for violators, though.
The Health Department also stresses the importance of limiting nonessential travel, avoiding crowds, social distancing, good hand-washing and staying home if you are sick.
