CITY OF WORCESTER | Public Health and Human Services Committee Meeting | Tuesday, March 17, 2020 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 5:07 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:34 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Susan M. Ledoux | Committee Members | | Chairperson Sarai Rivera | | Vice Chairperson George J Russell | | Councilor Gary Rosen |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Sarai Rivera
Councilor George J Russell
Councilor Gary Rosen | | | | | Also: | Commissioner of Health and Human Services Committee Matilde Castiel, M.D. Medical Director Michael P. Hirsh, M.D.
City Clerk Susan M. Ledoux, clerk
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| 1. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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| | | 1a. | Order- That the City Council Standing Committee of Public Health and Human Services hereby approves the minutes of the Public Health and Human Services Committee meeting on November 20, 2019. | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Rivera read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted. | |
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| | | 2a. | COVID 19 (Coronavirus) - City's planned responses, its impact and prevention measures. | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Rivera read the item and provided an overview of the discussion concerning the City’s response to the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Chairperson Councilor Rivera recognized the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who explained the coronavirus, the outbreaks concerning the virus, the early days of the virus in China and how the virus spread to Europe. She then reviewed the cases in Worcester, explained the quarantine process and testing procedures within the city.
Chairperson Councilor Rivera recognized Councilor Russell, who discussed issues concerning shelters for the homeless population during this period, including quarantine areas for those populations that test positive for COVID-19, with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services.
Chairperson Rivera recognized Councilor Rosen, who thanked the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and the entire Public Health Department for all the work being done. Councilor Rosen then shared his concern for the senior citizen population during the quarantine period, especially since the senior center has closed.
Chairperson Rivera recognized the following speakers, who participated remotely:
1. Judy Diamondstone, Worcester resident, spoke concerning individuals confined in locations such as prisons
2. Martha Assefa, Worcester resident, spoke concerning implementing a mandatory quarantine period
Chairperson Councilor Rivera put forth the following motion, which was approved on a voice vote: Request City Manager inquire with the Sherriff’s Office about social distancing practices within prisons.
Chairperson Councilor Rivera recognized the Medical Director, who spoke concerning the city’s response of COVID-19.
Chairperson Councilor Rivera moved to close the discussion, which was approved on a voice vote. | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager inquire with the Sheriff's Office about social distancing practices within prisons. | |
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