Board of Health Meeting Documents

SUBMITTED BY:

Environmental Health Department

DATE:

November 9, 2020

SUBJECT:

Potassium Iodide (KI) Tablet Distribution Continues during COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The Windsor and Essex County (WEC) region is located within the primary and secondary zones of two (2) nuclear installations – the Enrico Fermi 2 and the Davis-Besse. Although both installations are not located within Canadian borders, the impact they have on our region is the same in the event a nuclear emergency occurs.

According to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), all nuclear installations must ensure that potassium iodide tablets are pre-distributed and that pre-distribution includes a public education plan. Potassium iodide tablets are a stable iodine salt that blocks the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine during a nuclear incident. In the improbable event of a nuclear emergency, residents will receive instructions from local and provincial authorities to take their tablets to prevent the long-term development of thyroid cancer.

Since the Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Generating Station and the Davis – Besse Nuclear Power Station are not regulated by the CNSC, the responsibility for potassium iodide tablet distribution falls on the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), the Municipalities of Windsor and Essex County, and the Ministry of Health. In 2018, the WECHU acquired over 17,000 potassium iodide (KI) kits and coordinated a multi-phase approach that involved distribution to primary and secondary zone residents. Almost 3600 kits were distributed to residents during the first two phases, with an online registration and distribution method implemented for the 2019 season. A targeted communication campaign was completed in 2019, which focused on families with young children in the primary and secondary zone resulting in the distribution of an additional 6500 potassium iodide (KI) kits within the community.

CURRENT INITIATIVES

The ongoing distribution plan for KI tablets in 2020 was met a number of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic including post office delays and lack of volunteers to support community pick up centres. Despite some of these barriers, the WECHU has disseminated kits to over 10,600 households in our region this year. Distribution for the 2020 season ended in October due to temperature changes in the environment and will resume in the spring of 2021. The 2021 season, will see additional engagement with stakeholders such as schools, businesses and municipally owned buildings to discuss supply planning and storage in the event of a nuclear emergency.

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SUBMITTED BY:

Healthy Schools Department (Immunization)

DATE:

November 9, 2020

SUBJECT:

Student Immunization Catch-Up Plan (Grade 7/8)

BACKGROUND

By law, the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act (ISPA) R.S.O.1990 requires children and adolescents attending primary or secondary school to be appropriately immunized against designated diseases, unless they have a valid exemption. Local public health units are mandated to keep and assess immunization records for every student attending school in their region, and provide provincially funded immunization programs through school-based clinics.

Due to COVID-19, a novel highly contagious respiratory virus, the Ontario Government closed all publicly funded schools from March to September 2020.  As a result of these closures, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) could not implement the spring school-based immunization clinics scheduled for grade 7/8 students. In order to support widespread availability of publicly funded vaccines to protect children from Hepatitis B, HPV, and Meningococcal Disease (Men-C-ACYW135), the WECHU has been working collaboratively with local healthcare providers to ensure students have access to these vaccines in the community. Since May 2020, the WECHU vaccine distribution team has fulfilled school-based vaccine orders from community healthcare providers to administer catch-up vaccines for 1383 students.

CURRENT INITIATIVES

The WECHU will be hosting a series of catch-up clinics beginning on November 2, 2020 to service families with children born in 2006/2007 that were not able to receive their school-based immunizations from the WECHU in spring 2020 or their primary healthcare provider during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. These clinics are part of a larger Healthy Schools Department strategy aimed at reducing barriers for clients, especially priority populations; and ultimately decreasing the number of students that are behind on their vaccinations. Families will be able to book an appointment during the day, afternoons, evenings, and weekends at the Windsor or Leamington office, or a convenient location in the community. The WECHU will be preparing tailored communications to update families, healthcare providers, school board liaisons, and school administrators regarding options available to students who require immunizations.

The WECHU is also in the process of adapting the delivery method of our immunization education sessions under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) to an e-Learning format. Since 2017, a mandatory immunization education session has been a requirement under the ISPA O.Reg 645 for parents seeking a non-medical exemption for their child. These education sessions were historically required to be delivered in-person, but the Ministry of Health has recently eliminated this requirement. Currently, there are about 50 clients on our waiting list. 

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Board Members Present:

Gary McNamara, Tracey Bailey, Joe Bachetti, Rino Bortolin, Fabio Costante, Dr. Debbie Kane, Gary Kaschak (via phone), Judy Lund, John Scott, Ed Sleiman, Larry Snively

Board Member Regrets:

N/A

Administration

Theresa Marentette, Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Lorie Gregg, Nicole Dupuis, Kristy McBeth, Dan Sibley, Lee Anne Damphouse

QUORUM:  Confirmed

  1. Call to Order
    Board Chair, Gary McNamara, called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.
  2. Agenda Approval
    Moved by: Judy Lund
    Seconded by: Rino Bortolin
    That the agenda be approved.
    CARRIED
  3. Announcement of Conflicts of Interest – None
  4. Update (Dr. W. Ahmed)
    1. COVID-19 Update

      Dr. W. Ahmed provided an update on the status of COVID-19 cases in our region and noted that cases are increasing worldwide. Canada is responding well to the pandemic compared to some countries, but there is a lockdown in Europe, and we seem to be heading in that direction. Ontario case counts were close to 650 per day, but has now more than doubled up to approximately 1,500 per day. Data around hospitalizations and admissions to ICU is showing that we are moving in the wrong direction in respect to morbidity and mortality rates.

      Locally, we saw an increase in cases in November, likely due to Halloween parties and social gatherings, and are averaging about 20 cases a day. The virus is spreading in different sectors likely now through community spread, and we are coming closer to numbers that we have seen in the first wave. Hospitalization was more manageable through the first wave, but admissions to hospitals and ICU due to COVID-19 is increasing.

      From an exposure perspective the highest number of cases is through close contact, followed by community transmission and then travel related. Transmission through close contacts is higher than in the first wave and is a concerning trend, likely related to social gatherings. We currently have three Long-Term Care homes in outbreak, two schools and one farm, the trend is showing that the positivity rate is also increasing. As of November 14, 2020, our positivity rate is at 2.9%, which is considered high for our region.

      Our health system capacity is at 92%. Recognizing that most COVID patients admitted are placed in isolation rooms this is increasing pressure on hospitals. The ICU is close to 80%, triggering a shift in the acute care system and ventilator capacity is currently at 40%. Public health is running at 86% capacity in contacting cases within 24 hours, but with the surge in cases, there is now a slight decline sometimes taking up to 48 hours, signaling pressures on our health unit.

      Dr. Ahmed said that if there is a case in the school and a cohort is dismissed home they are advised to self-isolate. Anyone else in the household or cohort is deemed high risk and is advised to self-monitor. Testing is recommended 5-7 days later or if an individual becomes symptomatic. Parents of student cohorts would be considered a contact of a contact and unless they become a case would not be of concern.

      J. Bachetti said when school started in September there was a lot of anxiety and wanted to compliment the public health staff assigned to the school. They did a fabulous job with school staff, parents and children and he wanted to say thank you.

      F. Costante asked when the province determines regional status, how much emphasis is place on the capacity of the health care system.

      Dr. Ahmed said the first thing the province looks at is the case counts and moving averages. Based on that they look at the Person Positivity Rate then the Effective Reproduction Rate, i.e. meaning how many cases occur from one positive case. If that data is pointing to any pressure in any of these areas, they then look at capacity.

      Dr. Ahmed said that the WECHU does get some notice from the province if our region is changing levels. The province will reach out for more information and details if they see a concerning trend and ask for our local perspective. With this framework they know what the thresholds are and we have specific conversations on how it affects us locally. Decisions made are forwarded to Cabinet and then to the Premier to make an announcement.

      We are currently in Yellow status and if we move to Orange, the extra restrictions would commence this coming Monday at 12:01 am. Just looking at the increase in the number of cases in our region, I believe we will be moved up another level to Orange, but that decision is ultimately made by the province. Before any announcement is made, they will connect with us for our perspective.

      Moved by: Ed Sleiman
      Seconded by: Larry Snively
      That the information be received.
      CARRIED

  5. Approval of Minutes
    1. Regular Board Meeting: October 15, 2020
      Moved by: John Scott
      Seconded by: Joe Bachetti
      That the minutes be approved.
      CARRIED
  6. Business Arising – None
  7. Consent Agenda
    1. INFORMATION REPORTS
      1. Student Immunization Catch-up Plan (Grade 7/8) (K. McBeth)
        Brought to the Board for information.
      2. Potassium Iodide (KI) Tablet Distribution Continues during COVID-19 Pandemic (K McBeth)
        Brought to the Board for information.
      3. Consumption and Treatment Services Site – Application Status (T. Marentette)
        Brought to the Board for information. R. Bortolin asked if there were any discussion around working with partners on a possible location. T. Marentette said that WECHU emailed WECOSS partners to determine if there was any interest in a shared space or other location. WECHU will be working with legal to move forward to next steps in securing a real estate agent.
      4. October Communications Recap (L. Gregg)
        Brought to the Board for information.

      Moved by: Rino Bortolin
      Seconded by: John Scott
      That the information reports be received.
      CARRIED

    2. RECOMMENDATION REPORTS – None
  8. New Business
    1. CEO Quarterly Reports (T. Marentette)
      T. Marentette said that the 2020 CEO Quarterly Reports are up to date, highlight issues around the pandemic, and note that most public health programs have been suspended. Most WECHU staff has been redeployed to work on COVID-19 and the CEO Report has identified these circumstances. G. McNamara commended the MOH and CEO and the entire WECHU staff for their efforts.
      Moved by: Rino Bortolin
      Seconded by: Judy Lund
      That the information be received.
      CARRIED
    2. 2021 Board of Health Meeting Schedule (T. Marentette)
      Gary McNamara advised that the WECHU is planning Board of Health meetings for 2021 and is looking to the Board for approval to commence holding monthly Board meetings every 3rd Thursday of the month.
      Moved by: Debbie Kane
      Seconded by: Ed Sleiman
      That the WECHU Board of Health monthly meetings for 2021 be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
  9. Other Board of Health Resolutions/Letters – For Information
    1. WECHU Letter to The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau and The Right Honourable Chrystia Freeland – Basic Income During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

      G. McNamara said that this has been on the Board’s radar prior to the pandemic. R. Bortolin said that this might tie into something not directly related to public health but more political. He asked if we are advocating because other health units are leading the charge and would this happen at a Board level or be lead by Dr. Ahmed. N. Dupuis said that our Board has supported a Resolution on this in the past and has formally endorsed. We have a Resolution standing and have sent letters in the past. Food insecurity has a common link with social determinants of health.

      G. McNamara said that social determinants are nutrition, living capabilities, etc. and all play into building a healthy society. It can difficult for many to properly feed their families. Basic income is to support the basic requirements of society to sustain themselves in better way. The Board of Health has supported this pre-COVID so that people living in poverty can get to a level where they can get proper nutrition and we advocate for that. Social determinants have a reflection on public health and we would support moving people out of poverty the best we can. This is a basic need and is in everyone’s best interest, and should be supported by all health units.

    2. Grey-Bruce Public Health Unit – Letter to The Honourable Patty Hajdu, The Honourable Marilee Fullerton and Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission – COVID-19 and Long-Term Care Reform – Supporting Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s letter regarding same
    3. Grey-Bruce Public Health Unit – Letter to The Honourable Patty Hajdu and The Honourable Christine Elliott – Municipal Drug Strategy Coordinators Network Ontario, Safe Supply

    Moved by: Rino Bortolin
    Seconded by: Debbie Kane
    That the information be received.
    CARRIED

  10. Committee of the Whole (CLOSED SESSION, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    Moved by: John Scott
    Seconded by: Judy Lund
    That the board move into Committee of the Whole.
    CARRIED
    The Board moved into Committee of the Whole at 4:41 pm
    The Board moved out of Committee of the Whole at 5:05 pm
  11. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair, or December 17, 2020 – Via Video
  12. Adjournment
    Moved by: John Scott
    Seconded by: Judy Lund
    That the meeting be adjourned.
    CARRIED
    The meeting adjourned at 5:06 pm.

RECORDING SECRETARY:

SUBMITTED BY:

APPROVED BY:

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Meeting held via video.

  1. Call to Order
  2. Agenda Approval
  3. Announcement of Conflict of Interest
  4. Update (W. Ahmed)
    1. COVID-19 Update
  5. Approval of Minutes
    1. Regular Board Meeting: September 17, 2020
  6. Business Arising
  7. Consent Agenda
    1. INFORMATION REPORTS
      1. Q3 Quarterly Report (L. Gregg)
      2. Influenza Season 2020/2021 (K. McBeth)
      3. Safe Return to School – COVID-19 Engagement, Resources and Collaboration (N. Dupuis)
      4. September Communications Recap
    2. RECOMMENDTION REPORTS – None
  8. Board Correspondence – None
  9. New Business
  10. Other Board of Health Resolutions/Letters – For information
    1. Letter from the Ministry of the Solicitor General – Enforcement and Amendments under the Reopening Act, 2020 24
    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 28
  11. Committee of the Whole (Closed Session in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
  12. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair November 19, 2020 – Via Video
  13. Adjournment
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Board Members Present:

Gary McNamara, Tracey Bailey, Joe Bachetti, Rino Bortolin, Fabio Costante, Dr.Debbie Kane, Gary Kaschak, Judy Lund, John Scott, Ed Sleiman

Board Member Regrets:

Larry Snively

Administration

Theresa Marentette, Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Lorie Gregg, Nicole Dupuis, Kristy McBeth, Dan Sibley, Lee Anne Damphouse

QUORUM:  Confirmed

  1. Call to Order
    Board Chair, Gary McNamara, relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chair, John Scott, who called the meeting to order at 4:09 p.m. 
  2. Agenda Approval
    Moved by:  Judy Lund
    Seconded by: Fabio Costante
    That the agenda be approved.
    CARRIED
  3. Announcement of Conflicts of Interest – None  
  4. Update (Dr. W. Ahmed)
    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

  5. Approval of Minutes
    1. Regular Board Meeting:  September 17, 2020
      Moved by:  Judy Lund
      Seconded by:  Rino Bortolin
      That the minutes be approved.
      CARRIED
  6. Business Arising – None
  7. Consent Agenda

    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
  8. Board Correspondence – None
  9. New Business – None  
  10. Other Board of Health Resolutions/Letters
    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

  11. Committee of the Whole (CLOSED SESSION, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    The Board moved into Committee of the Whole at 4:22 pm
    The Board moved out of Committee of the Whole at 4:45 pm
  12. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair, or November 19, 2020 – Via Video
  13. Adjournment
    Moved by:  Joe Bachetti
    Seconded by:  Gary Kaschak
    That the meeting be adjourned.
    CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 4:46 pm.

RECORDING SECRETARY:

SUBMITTED BY:

APPROVED BY:

View Document Page

Meeting held via video.

  1. Call to Order
  2. Agenda Approval
  3. Announcement of Conflict of Interest
  4. Update (W. Ahmed)
    1. COVID-19 Update
  5. Approval of Minutes
    1. Regular Board Meeting: July 16, 2020
  6. Business Arising
    1. School-Focused Nursing Recruitment (D. Sibley)
  7. Consent Agenda
    1. INFORMATION REPORTS
      1. July, August Communications Recap
    2. RECOMMENDTION REPORTS – None
  8. Board Correspondence – None
  9. New Business
    1. WECHU 2020-21 Public Health Funding (T. Marentette/L. Gregg)
    2. Extraordinary Cost Reimbursement Process (L. Gregg)
  10. Other Board of Health Resolutions/Letters
    1. Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit – Letter to the Honourable Christine Elliott – urging the immediate provision of the funding allocations to local boards of health regarding the COVID-19 Extraordinary Expenses and for the School-Focused Nurses in order to enable a response by local public health units that is unobstructed by local financial shortfalls
    2. WECHU Response to Town of Kingsville, Town of Essex and Town of Amherstburg – Request for more detailed information and data regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Essex County – For information
  11. Committee of the Whole (Closed Session in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
  12. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair October 15, 2020 – Via Video
  13. Adjournment
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Board Members Present:

Gary McNamara, Tracey Bailey, Rino Bortolin, Fabio Costante, Dr. Debbie Kane, Judy Lund, John Scott, Larry Snively, Joe Bachetti (arrived at 5:05 pm)

Board Member Regrets:

Gary Kaschak, Ed Sleiman

Administration Present:

Theresa Marentette, Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Lorie Gregg, Nicole Dupuis, Kristy McBeth, Dan Sibley, Lee Anne Damphouse

This meeting was held via video conference.

QUORUM:  Confirmed

  1. Call to Order
    Board Chair, Gary McNamara, called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.
  2. Agenda Approval
    Moved by: Judy Lund
    Seconded by: Rino Bortolin
    That the agenda be approved.
    CARRIED
  3. Announcement of Conflicts of Interest – None
  4. Update (Dr. W. Ahmed)
    1. COVID-19 Update

      Dr. W. Ahmed provided an update on the status of COVID-19 cases in our region, along with a presentation around the numbers and the increase of cases in the province. Graphs in the presentation show the overall rates, spikes in cases according to age and municipality, how the virus is being transmitted, and capacity in the health care system should we see a surge of cases requiring hospitalization. Our case fatality rate is at 3.0%, which is lower than the provincial average. Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 tests are being conducted weekly across our region, and positive case rates remain relatively low while the GTA and Ottawa regions are spiking.

      One student in a local school tested positive and their cohort was also advised to isolate for 14 days. Our data shows a spike in cases in the 0-19 age group over the last two weeks, and we take this information seriously with our messaging to the various school boards.

      The region seems to be moving in a stable direction in the Agri-sector. Positive cases amongst farm workers are low with some occasional travel related cases after arriving in Canada.

      G. McNamara said that the WECHU Epidemiology Department has done excellent work on the graphing and mapping. The recent roadmap created around the cluster of cases that happened recently was interesting to see, and shows how quickly the virus can spread. The province was impressed at how quickly we addressed the cluster by finding its origins and roots. Information like this is critically important to show residents how quickly the virus can easily get out of control by not following public health measures.

      Moved by: Fabio Costante
      Seconded by: John Scott
      That the information be received.
      CARRIED

  5. Approval of Minutes
    1. Regular Board Meeting: July 16, 2020
      J. Lund noted that Beach Testing (water sampling) was discussed at the July 16, 2020 Board meeting and that the WECHU was one of the only health units that still conducts the testing. She asked how other health units do beach testing. Dr. Ahmed said that water testing is done by their municipalities or contracted out to a third party.
      Moved by: Judy Lund
      Seconded by: Fabio Costante
      That the minutes be approved.
      CARRIED
  6. Business Arising
    1. School-focused Nursing Recruitment (D. Sibley)
      D. Sibley said that 18 of the 19 school nursing positions have been filled. Ten internal WECHU staff on lay off filled some of these positions and 8 new staff have been hired over the last couple of weeks. We are recruiting for 1 French speaking position. We have redeployed existing WECHU staff to be ready for the school year and all of these positions should be filled within the next two weeks.
      Moved by: Debbie Kane
      Seconded by: John Scott
      That the information be received.
      CARRIED
    2. Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) Site Update (Addition to Agenda) R. Bortolin

      T. Marentette said that the health unit continues to work with a dedicated stakeholder group on the application submission for a CTS site in Windsor. The work was delayed for several months due to the pandemic and we recently moved forward around a site location, which is required prior to submitting the application. Criteria for the site was based on requirements in both Health Canada’s and the Ministry of Health’s applications.

      A Request for Expression of Interest (EOI) for interested landlords or property owners for a proposed site went out in August 2020. There was no interest. We reposted the information to the same website, did a media release and extended the timeline to September 4, 2020 and the process still did not generate any interest.

      We have reached out to our legal advisors for guidance on next steps and will reconvene our stakeholder group to determine how to proceed. Steps following the site selection would include a CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) audit on the site, a site inspection and a brief assessment. Consultations with the public would follow with extensive community engagement along with our Board of Health and the municipality of the site location.

      R. Bortolin asked if one submission was received, and the size and technical specifications are reached, would we go that route and what level of consideration is given to those items. T. Marentette said that there is criteria that must be met and we would work with our Environmental Health Department and Windsor Police Services, i.e. acceptable site, meeting mandatory requirements from Health Canada and the Ministry of Health, distancing from sensitive areas, etc., and it would be brought to the Stakeholder Advisory Committee.

      R. Bortolin asked about the public consultation phase and what that would look like when we are at the point of Board of Health approval of the potential site. He has received many questions from residents in his ward about the CTS site being located in the downtown Windsor core. T. Marentette advised that public consultations would occur prior to going to our Board or the municipality for site confirmation and approval. We were hoping to have 2 or 3 sites with extensive community consultation, and feedback, before moving forward. The public would have a say and will have the opportunity to voice their concerns prior to the site being confirmed.

      The process is presenting the sites that meet the criteria as well as meeting the needs of the people who would use the service. With the pandemic, there will be no gatherings in person. We will need to conduct consultations through surveys and virtual discussions, and there was talk of having a virtual Town Hall. All residents in the municipality can participate in the process, not just residents or businesses in that location.

      R. Bortolin said if the process goes through public consultation and is presented to our Board of Health and the municipality, does the municipality have the power to veto, or is it presented to the municipality simply for endorsement.

      T. Marentette noted that under the Health Promotion and Protection Act, (HPPA) the municipality must approve the site. R. Bortolin said that it would likely be through a Motion to the particular municipality’s council.

      R. Bortolin asked if WECHU has considered how many meetings should take place, that they are well publicized and that there are enough people on the calls to hear from residents instead of it being a one-way virtual meeting. T. Marentette said that this was all considered in the planning, we have people dedicated to the process, GANTT charts for timelines and that we recognize the need to make sure it is inclusive of everyone who wants to have a voice.

      R. Bortolin said that since there has been no interest from the EOI has there been any discussion around conversations with municipalities, other agencies or potential partners for space.

      T. Marentette advised that we have consulted with our legal advisors on this to make sure the process is transparent and adheres to any public protocol or disclosure and, based on feedback, we will reconvene the stakeholder group, and expect that the next step is to reach out to potential partners.

  7. Consent Agenda
    1. INFORMATION REPORTS
      1. July and August Communications Recap (L. Gregg)
        Brought to the Board for information.
        Moved by: Rino Bortolin
        Seconded by: Judy Lund
        That the information reports be received.
        CARRIED
    2. RECOMMENDATION REPORTS – None
  8. Board Correspondence – None
  9. New Business
    1. WECHU 2020-21 Public Health Funding (T. Marentette/L. Gregg)

      T. Marentette said that the WECHU received its Public Health Funding and Accountability Agreement for the 2020-2021 funding year on August 21, 2020 which provided our approved base and one-time funding. This includes the changes to the provincial/municipal cost-sharing agreement effective January 1, 2020, one-time mitigation funding and funding for public health programs and services.

      An overview of other one-time funding approvals include:

      • Public Health Inspector Practicum Program (one student) – $10,000
      • Seasonal Farm Contract Tracing under our TB Program – included on-site contact tracing, TB screening, translations services, salaries and mileage – $4,400
      • Vector-Borne Disease Program – this funding initiative is used to support staffing, mileage surveillance activities and an awareness campaign for enhanced surveillance for mosquitos – $40,000
      • Pandemic Pay for eligible nursing staff – this initiative provided additional support for eligible Board of Health employees dependent upon responsibilities for the period April 24, 2020 to August 13, 2020. Total funding received for our health unit was $161,700.

      In addition, an amended agreement was received by the Ministry related to the following:

      • School-focused nurses (19 in total) to support the reopening of schools (August 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 and April 2021 to March 31, 2022)
      • Funding to support the new public health Case and Contact Management solution (CCM)

      Board of Health member L. Snively left the meeting at 4:59 pm

      L. Gregg advised that on August 21, 2020 the Ministry of Health issued WECHU’s 2020 Budget Approval. Total funding allocation is as follows:

      • $15,981,600 in base funding for the Mandatory programs – funded at a rate of 70% Ministry of Health and 30% Obligated Municipalities
      • $1,674,700 in base funding for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program funded 100% by the Ministry of Health

      The Ministry of Health approved mitigation funding of $1,260,800 to be used to offset the increased public health program costs to municipalities as a result of cost-sharing change from what was 75/25 to 70/30. An allotment of mitigation funding was approved for the period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and a second allotment in the same amount was approved for January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.

      Moved by: Judy Lund
      Seconded by: Rino Bortolin
      That the information be received.
      CARRIED

    2. Extraordinary Cost Reimbursement Process (L. Gregg)

      L. Gregg advised that on August 21, 2020 the Ministry of Health initiated a process for public health units to request reimbursements of one-time extraordinary expenses related to COVID-19. The deadline for this submission is September 18, 2020 for the timeframe of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and includes actual and forecasted costs. As with all submissions to the Ministry, it is subject to review and some expenditures may not be admissible. It is our understanding that additional requests for reimbursement may be available at a later date.

      Total forecasted salaries and benefits related to COVID-19 for calendar 2020 are $10,728,391. This excludes the School Nurse initiative, which will be funded through separate approval. R. Bortolin noted that many WECHU staff are unionized and eligible for overtime. He asked if this amount takes into account a provision for the WECHU Leadership Team who have been unable to take vacation or time off due to the workload with the pandemic. Their working ratio is likely 15%-30% higher than what they are receiving in salaries.

      L. Gregg advised there was a provision for vacations not taken by the WECHU Leadership Team but there was no augment in the number of hours the team has worked, and continues to work, in this analysis. The provision just includes their base salaries. There was a line-by-line analysis for all staff so there was a detailed review.

      R. Bortolin asked if WECHU should increase the ask in the submission to the Ministry to help cover compensation to the WECHU Leadership Team for unused vacations.

      T. Marentette said that there was no provision for compensation for the Leadership Team during the pandemic and if it is deemed not admissible by the Ministry it would likely fall on the municipalities and is included in this ask. R. Bortolin asked if WECHU can balance its budget for 2020 if the submission was approved. T. Marentette said that close to $3M has been submitted and if that is received from the Ministry than WECHU should be able to balance its budget. To our understanding, the province is not saying this is a 70/30 split.

      Moved by: Joe Bachetti
      Seconded by: John Scott
      That the information be received.

    3. Request from Ontario Health Team (W. Ahmed)

      Dr. W. Ahmed said that many Board of Health members are aware that the province, through Ontario Health, is creating Ontario Health Teams (OHT) to provide patient centered care in various regions of the province. OHTs are groups of health care providers and organizations that are clinically and fiscally accountable for delivering a full and coordinated continuum of care to a defined geographic population.

      The expectation is that the OHTs will enable patients, families, community agencies and healthcare providers to work together in a new way. Over time, it is expected that OHTs will develop innovative and locally driven solutions to meet the healthcare needs of their defined geographic population and will be accountable for the health outcomes and healthcare costs of that population.

      OHTs are being introduced to provide a new way of organizing and delivering care that is more connected to patients in their local communities. Under OHTs, health care providers (including hospitals, doctors and home and community care providers) work as one coordinated team. Public Health supported the local collaborative work to create a Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team. The next stage of the OHTs development is a full application, which is currently being submitted.

      In the application, the OHT has to identify a priority population and the group decided to work with individuals with chronic diseases living in a congregate settings. There are 155 congregate living setting in our region and the team is planning to prioritize them based on the risk to these settings. For example, using EMS data to identify top 10 congregate living facilities in our region that receive the bulk of calls in the past 12 months.

      The OHT is leveraging on the existing relationship and partnership developed for COVID response in the region.

      The Windsor Essex OHT is comprised of over 45 local healthcare program and services providers including the three hospitals, primary care and community support providers, public health, municipalities, mental health and addictions agencies, Long-term care, and others social service providers in Windsor Essex.

      The Windsor Essex OHT is requesting their partner agencies submit a letter of support along with a sign off from their Board. WECHU is in support of the Windsor Essex OHT but we also recognize that the public governance and accountability are very different. We are governed under the HPPA and are accountable to our Board of Health.

      We are recommending that the WECHU submit a letter of support from the Medical Officer of Health and the CEO that we will continue to support and collaborate with the OHT. Due to our mandate and accountability, we do not believe that we require a formal board sign off and are looking to the Board for direction and support.

      Moved by: Tracey Bailey
      Supported: Rino Bortolin
      That the WECHU Medical Officer of Health and CEO submit a Letter of Support to continue to support and collaborate with the OHT and that formal Board of Health sign off is not required.
      CARRIED

  10. Other Board of Health Resolutions/Letters

    Moved by: Rino Bortolin
    Seconded by: John Scott
    That the information be received.
    CARRIED

    1. Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit – Letter to Honourable Christine Elliott – urging the immediate provision of the funding allocations to local boards of health regarding the COVID-19 Extraordinary Expenses and for the School-Focused Nurses in order to enable a response by local public health units that is unobstructed by local financial shortfalls – For information
    2. WECHU Response to Town of Kingsville, Town of Essex and Town of Amherstburg – Response to their request for more detailed information and data regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Essex County – For information
  11. Committee of the Whole (CLOSED SESSION, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    The Board moved into Committee of the Whole at 5:14 pm
    The Board moved out of Committee of the Whole at 5:20 pm
  12. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair, or October 15, 2020 – Via Video
  13. Adjournment
    Moved by: Rino Bortolin
    Seconded by: Tracey Bailey
    That the meeting be adjourned.
    CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 5:21 pm.

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