Thrilled with the January 13-14 COVID-19 vaccination clinic’s success for first responders from Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Wareham, and with the state’s green light to schedule the prescribed second round, the Town of Marion doesn’t want to get ahead of itself.
“The consensus is just trying to deal with Marion going forward,” said Dr. Ed Hoffer, chairman of the Marion Board of Health, during the board’s January 20 meeting. “First responders from four towns … but the numbers when we get into the general population are going to be much higher. I think that’ll be biting off more than our geography can chew.”
Health Nurse Lori Desmarais reported that 170 vaccinations were administered on January 13 and 150 more on January 14. It is presumed that the same people will come back to the Cushing Community Center in Marion for their second round during the second week of February.
Beyond that is a matter of speculation, as the state still hasn’t determined its model for larger spheres of the population. Once the state allows the beginning of Phase 2 vaccination, the target will be people age 75 and over or with two or more co-morbidities (additional conditions or illnesses that can be physiological or psychological).
According to Desmarais in her Health Nurse’s Report, Marion has had 297 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic, including 64 currently active cases. The important trend, she noted, is that while the town’s initial spike occurred inside the Sippican Healthcare Center (nursing home), “It’s now community transmission that we’re seeing at this point.”
The staff at Sippican Healthcare Center received its first round of COVID-19 vaccine on December 30. One of the nursing home’s staff was an active, positive case, while 98 have recovered; 116 have tested negative. The recent increase in positivity rate in the state has resulted in Monday and Thursday testing. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health touches base with Sippican on a weekly basis.
Desmarais’ report also updated school statistics, including the following: Sippican School had eight people in isolation, eight in quarantine, and 28 confirmed since the beginning of the pandemic. The numbers were identical for Old Rochester Regional High School. At the junior high, three were in isolation, 19 in quarantine, with 16 confirmed cases since the beginning.
Tabor Academy has been on an extended break with a plan to return at the end of the month. Students are to quarantine before arrival, be tested upon arrival, and will be required to stay on campus for two weeks.
Flu vaccine is still available in Marion but is not in demand. The protocol for COVID-19 vaccine is that patients must wait 14 days to take it if they have had another vaccine.
As Mattapoisett recently made plans to bring back Grades K-2 for full, in-person learning, the Marion School Committee is seriously considering a plan to do the same at Sippican School. Desmarais said a full return for K-2 children would maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
Board member Dot Brown said, “I have no objection,” citing the fact the school calendar is beyond the holidays and has a better plan than what the state requires. Hoffer added his approval. BOH member John Howard asked if there is any guidance for children with co-morbid conditions. Hoffer noted that there is not yet an approved vaccine for anyone under age 16 and that such cases are individually treated by pediatricians.
In his Health Agent Report, Dave Flaherty said “great advances” had taken place at 464 Front Street, one of two Chapter 2 sites. The property was under a demolition order, where its occupant Lauren Fisher had faced animal cruelty charges. According to Flaherty, substantial progress was evident, and he considered Fisher to be compliant. The property is up for sale, and building permits are in order for the ongoing work, according to Marion Building Commissioner Scott Shippey.
“If anyone would like to go do a site inspection, she’d be happy to welcome it,” said Flaherty, noting extensive cleaning and renovation, the replacement of floors and bathroom fixtures. “I wasn’t there, but I saw the pictures, and I think it’s a big 180 (degree turn) for the site. I think she’s in substantial compliance as of now.”
The board voted unanimously to rescind the demolition order, but the condemnation order would fall under Shippey’s purview. Board member Dot Brown noted that an occupancy permit would be needed.
The report was less optimistic at 33 Pitcher Street, where Flaherty was having difficulty getting in touch with the responsible party. Flaherty told the board he discovered a deed at the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds and called the owner’s attorney, who said he would pass the information on to the daughter of the deceased owner. “He couldn’t promise me, but he said he would try his best. I told him Marion needs to start a dialogue,” said Flaherty.
The board discussed an emerging concern about the number of cars parked on evenings at the Brew Fish restaurant. The governor’s order is a 25 percent maximum of capacity. Flaherty was advised to visit Brew Fish during the prime eating and drinking hour, discuss with management, and “establish their view of things.”
Flaherty said there had been no food service-related complaints; there were some masking concerns. Flaherty performed four re-inspections. Dunkin’ Donuts had a positive coronavirus test and had to close its lobby for deep cleaning but has since reopened.
Flaherty reported one Title 5 septic system inspection report, saying that Title 5 installations, in general, have been slow but should pick up. He also attended weekly emergency management meetings but noted that the local CERT volunteer program is in limbo.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for February 2 at 4:00 pm.
Marion Board of Health
By Mick Colageo