Showing posts with label protocol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protocol. Show all posts

Monday, December 6, 2021

From pandemic to endemic: this is how we might get back to normal

"First, the bad news. With unpredictable outbreaks still occurring around the world, and variants like Omicron raising questions about the virus’s contagiousness, we are very much still in a pandemic.

The good news: while it’s difficult to predict the exact timing, most scientists agree that the Covid-19 pandemic will end and that the virus will become endemic. That means the virus will probably never be eliminated entirely, but as more people get vaccinated and become exposed to it, infections will eventually arise at a consistently low rate, and fewer people will become severely ill. An area where vaccination and booster rates are high will probably see endemicity sooner than a region with lower rates."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
Illustration: Ulises Mendicutty/The Guardian
Illustration: Ulises Mendicutty/The Guardian

Friday, September 3, 2021

FM #596 - Franklin, MA: Board of Health Mtg - 09/01/21 (audio)

FM #596 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 596 in the series.


This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2021. The meeting was conducted in hybrid mode, most of the Board and Health Dept members in person at the Municipal Bldg and others via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


Chair Bridget Sweet opened the meeting and reviewed the usual protocol for conduct of such remote meetings during this pandemic


The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda, the Board of Health page, and my notes from the meeting. 


The meeting runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting.


Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/30e18466-f7c9-40c4-a573-16c51b73946e



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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_09012021.pdf 


Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-franklin-ma-board-of-health.html 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Tune it out program at a meeting in July
Tune it out program at a meeting in July

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

MASC-SchoolCommittee: shares the @MASchoolsK12 updated COVID-19 protocol flowchart

MASC-School Committee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted at 6:02 AM on Wed, Sep 01, 2021:
Please note that @MASchoolsK12 released an updated COVID protocols flowchart on 8/30. 
It can be found here: https://t.co/HonZlqYOTo #MAEdu
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1433007267914428419?s=03

View the update protocol flowchart ->  https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/flowcharts.pdf

updated COVID protocols flowchart
updated COVID protocols flowchart


Saturday, July 10, 2021

CDC updates the K-12 Schools Guidance

"Vaccinated teachers and students don’t need to wear masks inside school buildings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday in relaxing its COVID-19 guidelines.

The changes come amid a national vaccination campaign in which children as young as 12 are eligible to get shots, as well as a general decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.

“We’re at a new point in the pandemic that we’re all really excited about,” and so it’s time to update the guidance, said Erin Sauber-Schatz, who leads the CDC task force that prepares recommendations designed to keep Americans safe from COVID-19."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Joint Statement on Conference Report Filing

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka, House Speaker Ronald Mariano,  Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues and House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz 

"Today (6/15/21), the House and Senate agreed to report out a conference committee bill, in-part, that temporarily extends and reinstates a slate of measures instituted in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. 

This partial report addresses issues common to both the Senate and House bills and is necessary to ensure that critical policies - including those relating to municipalities' meetings, restaurants, tenants facing eviction, health care and child care - are available as expeditiously as possible.

These temporary provisions have been helpful to businesses, municipalities, health care providers, residents and communities during this extraordinary time. We will continue working together to resolve items in the near-term that were not included in today's Conference report, which deserve further consideration.

We look forward to the Governor's prompt review of this report."

Conference Committee Report: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2475

From the Boston Globe:

State lawmakers on Tuesday night struck a deal and shipped Governor Charlie Baker legislation to restore the lapsed authorization for remote public meetings, to-go cocktail sales, and town meeting flexibilities, while leaving the future of other pandemic-era policy adaptations for later negotiations.

Baker’s COVID-19 state of emergency ended at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, without a law passed to prevent the expiration of certain orders and legislation linked to the declaration.

After the Senate passed a post-emergency bill last week, the House approved an amended version on a 146-14 vote Tuesday afternoon, and both branches held their sessions open for the rest of the day to work out a deal.

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
 

Friday, May 28, 2021

"COVID-19 symptoms commonly persisted beyond the acute phase of infection, with implications for health-associated functioning and quality of life"

While COVID-19 restrictions are easing, the disease and lasting effects remain to be reckoned with. 

Via Nature.com:  "Count the cost of disability caused by COVID-19

"The COVID-19 pandemic is well into its second year, but countries are only beginning to grapple with the lasting health crisis. In March, a UK consortium reported that 1 in 5 people who were hospitalized with the disease had a new disability after discharge1. A large US study found similar effects for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized people2. Among adults who were not hospitalized, 1 in 10 have ongoing symptoms 12 weeks after a positive test3. Treatment services for the long-term consequences of COVID-19 are already having to be absorbed into health and care systems urgently. Tackling this requires a much clearer picture of the burden of the disease than currently exists.

Tracking disease cases and deaths has advantages in a health emergency — they are easily collated, and, to some extent, trends can be compared across countries. But continuing the use of such simplified metrics heightens the risks of underestimating the true health impact on a population. It focuses policy and public discourse on the immediate prevention of deaths and on the economic impact of lockdown policies, ignoring the long-term disease-related disabilities that will also affect well-being and productivity."

Continue reading the article online 

Via Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA): "Assessment of the Frequency and Variety of Persistent Symptoms Among Patients With COVID-19"
Question  What are the frequency and variety of persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection?

Findings  In this systematic review of 45 studies including 9751 participants with COVID-19, the median proportion of individuals who experienced at least 1 persistent symptom was 73%; symptoms occurring most frequently included shortness of breath or dyspnea, fatigue or exhaustion, and sleep disorders or insomnia. However, the studies were highly heterogeneous and needed longer follow-up and more standardized designs.

Meaning  This systematic review found that COVID-19 symptoms commonly persisted beyond the acute phase of infection, with implications for health-associated functioning and quality of life; however, methodological improvements are needed to reliably quantify these risks.
Continue reading the article online 

Friday, April 2, 2021

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Return to 'In Person' Update to Families - Apr 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

"Dear Franklin Families,    
 
We hope you are doing well. This letter contains important information about pool testing, attendance expectations, instruction during quarantine, and reminders about travel. First, however, I want to begin with some important acknowledgments.
 
I want to acknowledge our remote only students, families, and faculty/staff. Much of our recent efforts have been in eager anticipation of a return to full and in-person school. I want to take a moment to acknowledge and recognize the dedication and creativity of our remote only teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrator in our Virtual Learning Academy. I also want to acknowledge how much we are thinking of our K-12 remote only students and families and, through our re-entry planning, are striving to keep our connections to you in our minds. We know this year has not been easy! Going forward, instruction in the VLA will continue as it has been. As we move ahead, remote-only instruction at the middle and high schools will have a different rhythm and feel with more students in the building, but you will still be receiving instruction from your currently assigned classroom teachers.
 
I also want to acknowledge the students and staff who have been full-time and in-person since the beginning of the year. Many of our special education teachers, school nurses, secretaries, van drivers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers have been in school five days a week since September. In so many ways, the successes of our PreSchool and five-day specialized programs have paved the way for our in-person return K-12. Our nurses’ efforts in keeping everyone safe are most noteworthy!
 
I also want to give a big “shout out” to our custodians who have been working so diligently to keep our schools safe with their daily disinfecting and cleaning routines. Additionally, the Facilities Department has been working tremendously hard in these past several weeks to get our schools up and running with furniture and other materials for April 5 and 12. In addition, our cafeteria staff and our teachers are actively preparing for more in-person students.
 
Last but certainly not least, our administrative team deserves an enthusiastic round of applause. I feel so fortunate to be working with such a dedicated, student-centered, and wise group of school leaders. Their hearts are focused on the core of what we do -- teaching and learning -- and doing so in ways that keep everyone in their buildings safe. They are always thinking of others -- students, staff, and families alike. They are rolling up their sleeves and doing whatever needs to be done -- supporting teachers, delivering lunch, substitute teaching, delivering materials to homes, and tending to many, many conversations and e-mails -- to name just a few. Please join me in giving them all of the appreciation they deserve."

 
Continue reading the update from Superintendent Ahern at this link: https://t.co/5lA2cWZgsu  or with this PDF version  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MJ35s0lpSpX_XJWGC-xfu9-NDXtkCrxL/view?usp=sharing
 


 
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Return to 'In Person' Update to Families - Apr 1, 2021
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Return to 'In Person' Update to Families - Apr 1, 2021

Town of Franklin, MA: Ben's guide to fully vaccinated status


People are fully vaccinated:
  • 2 weeks AFTER their 2nd dose (Pfizer or Moderna) or
  • 2 weeks AFTER a 1 dose vaccine (J&J's)
If it has been less than 2 weeks since your 1-dose shot, or if you still need your second dose, you are NOT fully protected. Keep taking all prevention steps! 
 
 
Town of Franklin, MA: Ben's guide to fully vaccinated status
Town of Franklin, MA: Ben's guide to fully vaccinated status

 

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Franklin Public Schools,: Reopening update regarding in-person learning

March 29, 2021

Dear Franklin Families,

 

We hope you are doing well. We are eagerly looking forward to the dates of April 5 and April 12 when we are planning to return more students to full time in person education.

 

Much of the specific information is being shared through the building administrators. I am writing to share a few important pieces of information that pertain to all schools.

 

Adherence to our Health and Safety Protocols

Although we are following new guidance and using 3-6 feet of distance between students (with 6 feet of distance for our faculty/staff) as our standard and Massachusetts has entered into Phase 4 of reopening and there is much excitement around new possibilities for gatherings, our return to in person school must be done as safely as possible.  Franklin students, families, and residents have done a tremendous job over the past year in keeping the community safe. Keep up the good work!


Many are attributing the safety of schools to the sound health and safety practices put in place earlier in the school year. Now is a good time for us all to recommit to the Health and Safety Protocols.  Families are reminded that our core practices for health and safety include mask wearing, physical distancing, and good hand hygiene.  Research is showing that mask wearing is an incredibly effective safety practice. Here are a few reminders about appropriate mask wearing.


  • A mask or face covering is a garment that covers your nose and mouth including dust masks, disposable medical masks, and homemade cloth masks. Masks/face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably over the sides of the face. Face coverings should be consistent with school handbook expectations. Bandanas and many gaiters do not provide adequate protection and are not permitted. Face masks with valves are not permitted.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

  • All students in Franklin Public Schools will be required to wear a mask/face-covering in school and on school buses.

  • All adults, including educators and staff, will be required to wear masks/face coverings. Fully vaccinated individuals are required to wear masks.

  • Exceptions will be made for those with medical conditions, disability, or other health/safety factors that prohibit them from wearing a mask/face covering. A physician's note is required.

  • Schools will develop a schedule for mask breaks that will occur throughout the day. During mask breaks, students will be at least six feet apart and in a well-ventilated space (outside or with the windows open).

  • Student masks/face coverings should be provided by the student/family. Schools will have extra masks available for children who need them. Masks/face coverings should be clearly labeled with the student’s names or initials to avoid confusion or swapping.

  • Staff will be provided with disposable masks by Franklin Public Schools. Staff will be permitted to wear their own mask/face covering. Cloth face coverings, if used, must be washed daily.


If your child is returning to school in person, please also commit to screening your child for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to sending them to school. Your child should stay home if they are exhibiting ANY of the symptoms of COVID-19:

  • Temperature above 100 degrees F

  • Respiratory symptoms not attributable to other illnesses (e.g. allergies): Fever above 100 degrees F, chills, or shaking chills

  • Cough (not due to other known causes, such as a chronic cough)* Allergy and asthma symptoms are NOT acute respiratory illnesses

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches or body aches

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Fatigue

  • Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies)

  • Being in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told by a healthcare provider that they may have COVID-19


Overall Pool Testing

We have completed the third week of the District Pool Testing Program.  We have over 60% of staff participation and about 40% student participation. We have had a total of 3691 swabs/580 pools as of Friday, March 26. Our experiences are showing us the value of the program.

 

As background information, with pool testing, lower nasal swabs are collected from participating students and faculty/staff members. Ten swabs are placed in a “pool” and a PCR test is run to see if the Coronavirus is present. Tests are sent to a nearby lab and within 24 hours, we have been receiving results.

 

We recently had our first experiences with positive pools. Last week, two of the 169 pools collected came back positive which meant that one person in each of the two pools (1151 individuals) was COVID-positive. This did not mean that everyone in the positive pools was positive. 


All individuals in the positive pools reported to the Health Office for individual follow-up testing using the BinaxNOW follow-up test which produced results in 15 minutes. The individuals whose test was negative remained in school as normal. There was no further follow-up needed. The individuals who tested positive were sent home to isolate/quarantine, and the contact tracing process was completed.


By finding and isolating a positive case, our schools just became safer for everyone. We encourage more students and faculty/staff to participate in the program. If you have not signed up for the Pool Testing Program and wish to do so we encourage you to go to the Pool Testing section of the FPS Reopening website or contact your child’s building administrator.

 

 

Travel

The Franklin Public Schools, after consulting with our local health department and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is amending its expectations for students and staff related to returning to school after travel. FPS urges students and staff to follow the new Massachusetts Travel Advisory. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-advisory

 

According to this advisory, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers in the following categories are exempt from this quarantine advisory:

  • Travelers who have received a negative COVID-19 result on a test administered not more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts.  Travelers may also test out of the quarantine advisory after arrival in Massachusetts, as long as they quarantine until receiving a negative test result.

  • Anyone who is entering Massachusetts for fewer than 24 hours

  • Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after being out of the State for fewer than 24 hours

  • Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) during required commuting to or from work and while at work.

  • Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 or more days ago) and who do not have symptoms.

International Travel:   January 12, 2021, CDC announced an Order requiring all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to present the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm that the information they present is true in the form of an attestation. The CDC also advises:

  • Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel.

    • Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.

    • If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.​​

  • ​If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.​

  • Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

Bus Transportation

If your child needs bus transportation to and from school, families can sign up for transportation through the following link: https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation.  



Other


If you have questions about District policies/practices about reopening, you can view our Reopening Website https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home or email our reopening email account:  reopening@franklinps.net  


Building based specifics are best addressed by the school administration. They will continue to communicate with you through their regular avenues such as their newsletters and personal communications with you.


Have a wonderful week!


Sincerely,  


Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools


Reopening update -> https://t.co/sTyjDU1EiU 
Shared from Twitter ->  https://t.co/kdciDBsfMM

Reopening update regarding in-person learning
Reopening update regarding in-person learning


Tuesday, March 23, 2021

MIAA updates guidelines

MIAA (@MIAA033) tweeted on Mon, Mar 22, 2021:

Read how updated @MassEEA guidelines impacts #MIAA sports ⬇️


🔗https://t.co/1VXiuzaiv1   or http://miaa.net/contentm/easy_pages/view.php?sid=38&page_id=291


#OneTeamOneMIAA #maskupMIAA😷  @MSSADA9 @MSAA_33 @PVIAC @RpearsonMIAA_MS @sbryantMIAA @Napa13 @LeagueBoston 
 
 
@MassEEA guidelines: 
 

Friday, February 26, 2021

School Committee meeting 2/23/2021 - recap - Kennedy School, vaccine status update, ventilation updates

Quick Recap:
  • From the Superintendent's Report - info on Davis Thayer coming this week, concerned about DESE status and getting students back to in person schooling, working details; lunches and transportation biggest hurdles to work out
  • Kennedy Elementary School made their presentation
  • Vaccine update provided by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Cathy Liberty and Fire Chief McLaughlin; we are ready to deliver but are awaiting supply from the State
  • There was an extensive update on the installation of UVGI filters and other room filters and how effective they are 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nbQRysFGMgEF4owE7


----
 
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0223

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0223&src=typeahead_click

  • Franklin (MA) SchComm meeting coming up at 7. I am getting ready for it, are you? https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-2-23-21 Agenda and connection info in doc. #schcom0223
  • Updates on vaccinations from Health Dept and Town Administrator on tap along with Kennedy Elem presentation and the other 'usual updates'. #schcom0223
  • Meeting opens with standard statement on open meeting during executive order #schcom0223
  • Keenan and D'Angelo not yet present for opening, up to 55 via Zoom, another 8 via Livestream and unknown # via Comcast/Verizon #schcom0223
Citizens Comment
  • Citizens comments open #schcom0223 parent advocating for FHS reduction in cohorts, and more in person education, and reduce distance from 6' to 3' ... Next parent (with poor connection) matter is urgent to be addressed, mental health of kids. Pool testing shd not be in classroom
  • FHS representative providing updates on electives, a new podcasting class, AP classes thinking about AP exams, virtual game night Thursday; model congress underway also #schcom0223 Diversity club posting on Black History month
Superintendent's report
  • #schcom0223 Superintendent's report - back from vacation, kudos for snow removal to DPW and Facilities appreciate the communication and work. Parent survey closed yesterday on the social distancing comfort and safety. Parents would still have option for kids remote this year
  • #schcom0223 FYI up to 100 via Zoom, emails coming in from parents for remote option as well as advocating to get in person. Franklin can chart its own path. Supt Ahern acknowledges on a personal note she is concerned for the students she has a senior at home, aware of the issues
  • Many logistics to work through, esp with lunch periods and bus transportation, both take time to work through, but we'll get there. #schcom0223 Davis Thayer notification coming this week, group forming on transition, volunteers looked for. MCAS schedule has be adjusted ...
  • ... while #schcom0223 did pass memo in fall to advocate for delay of MCAS but it is a Federal and State requirement. Member frustrated with push to 'in person' when teachers are not prioritized for vaccine. MCAS draft calendar not yet finalized. Tied to cohort question ...
Kennedy Elementary School Highlights
  • John F. Kennedy Elementary School Highlights - Dr. Linda Ashley, Principal; Dr. Sarravy Connolly, Assistant Principal presenting https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_meeting_2_23.pdf #schcom0223 photos
  • #schcom0223 photos
  • #schcom0223 video clip plays
  • #schcom0223 (BTW Keenan and D'Angelo did arrive in time to comment on Supt report) highlight on morning report
  • #schcom0223 who thought of this hybrid model? Teaching kids at home and in person at the same time? 2 way Communication is critical. Esp with parents. Lots of back and forth. 1st grade teacher speaks via video embedded
  • #schcom0223 2 sets of materials for each student, one for home, one for in school (required duplication!); Partner program at Kennedy; another video from a teacher, special ed this time
  • Core values are not just a poster on the wall, they are used and lived daily #schcom0223 (down to 98 via Zoom now, was as high as 107) staff wellness is a concern, teachers do need to get vaccinated, it will remove a level of stress. Hybrid can be isolating as so much is reqd
  • #schcom0223 had to keep the award quiet until the announcement was official in Dec 2020
  • Testing scores and closing the achievement gap were key to winning the award. #schcom0223 (video clip playing but embedded in presentation too small to see) last slide
  • #schcom0223 partner program initially funded with an earmark from Sen President Spills and now funded within budget for Franklin students within the district and served at Parmenter and Kennedy. Does also save vs what it would cost for sending out of district.
 Vaccine and pandemic updates
  • Moving to vaccine and pandemic updates on multiple topics Town Administrator Jamie Hellen leads, followed by Cathy Liberty and Fire Chief McLaughlin on virus status. "We all want it, supply is the biggest problem" less than 6% of MA has received both doses #schcom0223
  • Currently approx 30K per day, so we are far away from making real headway. #schcom0223 decentralized approach is preferred by Jamie. Will need to take a more local distribution network, esp if there are multiple updates along the way
  • #schcom0223 Health Director Cathleen Liberty updates on the clinic for first responders held at FHS, did also assist Milford Reg Hosp with their prep. Folks at Magnolia Hgts almost fell thru cracks, spun to recover. Housing authority on deck
  • #schcom0223 DPH not accepting allocations requests as of March 1. Chief McLaughlin updates on the clinic held here. Able willing and ready to deliver locally. Have 30 vaccinators certified and ready to deliver, did 200/day at clinic; can do more but need the supply
  • #schcom0223 used the same gym footprint for election so folks would be familiar with it. We are frustrated too cause we could do more but we are not enabled to. It could change, if it does, we are ready.
  • #schcom0223 we fought hard to get the FHS gym set up, it was designed for such and as a disaster site. We got everything but the vaccines themselves. Our legislative team is also working on our behalf. We have lists via Senior Center, we have worked on transportation for them
  • #schcom0223 Q still working network to obtain vaccines but supply remains the issue. Q do we know how we are doing with Franklin specific population? Pieces of numbers but not a complete picture. Q what about where the teachers are? (The math says with 1 M before ...
  • ... teachers; with vaccine supply at 100k/week it will take time like 8-10 weeks, unless supplies increase). #schcom0223 so assuming supply does increase, it may still be Apr/May
  • #schcom0223 MA vaccination sites are getting the priority (Gillette, Fenway, et al), even those other communities getting the 100 allocation they are serving anyone not just their locals.
  • #schcom0223 where is the J&J vaccine in the pipeline? Hasn't been submitted for approval yet. It will help once approved. Senior Center is reaching out and helping particularly the over 75. Legislative oversight hearing on Thursday, more info likely at the Forum March 2
Ventilation updates
  • #schcom0223 Jamie and Mike D'angelo to talk about the ventilation and updates at the facilities. UVGI is not a standard but it is quite helpful. It is an anxious time, not just in the pandemic but due to the overall uncertainty.
  • Kickoff meeting in Apr 2020 for FHS system and just completed last week. Large store of disinfectant to clean our buildings daily #schcom0223
  • UVGI is not new, used in the 40' to fight tuberculosis. #schcom0223 see the slide for the K factor
  • #schcom0223 delayed by capturing photos of the slides on the ventilation and filter work either completed or underway. Will share the folder collection of the photos as Twitter limits only a couple per tweet.
  • filters have life expectancy of about a year, would be part of the summer work to be replaced with school out. Moving to new topic: refund on lunch balances for FHS seniors, motion seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0223
  • Reopening update #schcom0223 https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_feb_18_2020-2021.pdf Learning time data submit to state still meeting requirements, pool testing continues to evolve, begin at Oak/Horace Mann before going elsewhere, FAQs coming
  • #schcom0223 transportation guidance updated before vacation, distancing reqs changed. DESE info shared here before https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/dese-updates-transportation-guidance.html
  • #schcom0223 bus open windows recommended, data in report released by DESE, evaluation of CDC guidance also just released as an update.
Public Comment through to closing/Executive Session
  • Public comment period, if nothing prior mentioned, please pass. #schcom0223 Q could Cold Chain be capitalized to bring vaccine quicker to teachers. Info matters: budget meeting Mar 3; get involved in budget hearings as they are scheduled. Forum 3/2 at 6:30 PM
  • Policy meeting Thurs, #schcom0223 Substance abuse task force to be sharing info resources available for mental health issues, take the stigma away. Touting Safe Coalition as a resource locally. SWAC meeting Mar 13 SchComm next meeting first pass at budget consent agenda...
  • Motion, second passes via roll call 7-0 for consent agenda Motion to adjourn to executive session not to return to open meeting #schcom0223 so that's all for tonight, catch you next time!
  • So the photo folder of the slides shared tonight as promised ... https://photos.app.goo.gl/nbQRysFGMgEF4owE7 enjoy! #schcom0223

 

UVGI is not new
UVGI is not new

Friday, December 18, 2020

Franklin in COVID Red Zone Means Pre-Registration for In-Person Masses at St. Mary’s

In response to today’s report (12/17/20) from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that Franklin has now entered the “red zone,” St. Mary’s has implemented new procedures that will affect anyone who wishes to attend Mass in person. The Archdiocese of Boston requires that these new procedures be implemented by all parishes located in cities or towns that qualify under the Commonwealth’s definition of the “red zone.”

Beginning this Saturday, December 19, all parishioners who wish to worship in person must:

1.    Pre-register online (www.stmarysfranklin.org) prior to arriving at the church. From the home page, click on the “Mass Registration” link. Then choose a Mass, provide your name(s), an email address, and a phone number. This information will be retained for two weeks and will be used for contact tracing only, if necessary.

2.    Allow a temperature screening to take place. Everyone with a temperature below 100.4 degrees will be allowed into the church building.

Alternatively, St. Mary’s live-streams the Saturday, 4 pm and Sunday, 10:30 am and 12:00 PM Masses. To access live-streaming, go the www.stmarysfranklin.org and click the “Live-Stream Masses” link at the time of the Mass. Once each Mass ends, a recording is also available through the same link. St. Mary’s also offers a Sunday, 7:30 AM Mass that is not live-streamed.

Pre-registration and temperature checks will not be required once the Department of Public Health deems that Franklin is no longer in the “red zone.”

About us:

The community of St. Mary is a Roman Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Boston located at 1 Church Square, Franklin MA. Founded as a parish in 1877, it currently serves the spiritual needs of over 4,500 families.

Pre-Registration for In-Person Masses at St. Mary’s
Pre-Registration for In-Person Masses at St. Mary’s