minhhs 03-16-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Kepple asked if Metro Health was offering mental health services and if CCBH is seeing an uptick in a need for those services. Mr. Allan stated that CCBH is seeing a need to connect people with community services and that the Metro Health help line is free and available to all. Director Gelsomino noted that her department is converting from congregant meals to meal delivery. Typically they have served 80 individuals. She added the precautions that her workers and volunteers are taking, especially the social distancing aspects. She asked if they can be doing anything else. Mr. Allan indicated that the precautions they are taking seem adequate and highlighted the importance of keeping tabs on seniors in the community. Chairman Litten inquired as to things Mr. Allan has shared with the community to avoid causing undo alarm. Mr. Allan noted that its important to highlight the prevalence of community transmission, especially now, as it is flu season. Individuals should stay home if they have symptoms. He recalled the stigmatization of individuals that occurred during the ebola crisis that occurred several years ago. Councilmember Rader asked for guidance on how people can volunteer during the crisis, as people have reached out to him inquiring for opportunities. Mr. Allan indicated that it would be best to connect them with the county's emergency operation center to see what sort of capacity is needed. Mr. Allan exited the meeting. Councilmember O'Malley indicated that his intention was to keep the full Council meeting that evening as brief as possible and defer all non-essential items, so he encouraged members to ask questions during this time period. Mayor George gave an overview of what her administration has been doing to address the crisis. Her team has compiled a situation report and has installed a recorded telephone line that the public can call for updated information on the crisis. She is working on a letter to send out to every home in Lakewood to access as many residents as possible and reach those who do not frequent the Internet. She is setting up a Recovery Lakewood Taskforce to help during the aftermath of this crisis. Chief Dunphy gave an overview of the Fire Department's process to address the crisis. They are following recommendations put out by the CDC, WHO, and state level agencies on the matter. His department is taking extra precaution when dealing with senior citizens. The department is fairly stocked with PPE, but they are already ordering more because of 2-3 week delays on masks, Tyvek suits, etc. Chairman Litten asked Chief Dunphy to explain what happens protocol wise when a workplace is found to have someone there who tests positive for COVID-19. Chief Dunphy indicated that the department is following a CDC public health flowchart. Currently, there is no one in the city that has been diagnosed with the virus. Self-isolation has been recommended to individuals in the event they exhibit symptoms.