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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05052009 - SD.3RECOMMENDATION(S): CONSIDER accepting oral update from William Walker, M.D., Health Services Director, on Contra Costa County's preparations for Swine Flu and possible actions to be taken. FISCAL IMPACT: None - informational only. BACKGROUND: On April 28, 2009 the Health Services Director, William Walker, M.D., provided a report to the Board and the public on the outbreak of swine flu, Contra Costa County's preparedness to handle the outbreak and possible pandemic, and recommended precautions to be taken by both the general public and County employees. Dr. Walker will provide an update on the information previously provided and make recommendations on any additional actions the County should take to protect the residents. Health Services is working with many partners to provide information and direction, including the County Office of Emergency Services, hospitals, community APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 05/05/2009 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes:See addendum for details VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor Gayle B. Uilkema, District II Supervisor Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor Susan A. Bonilla, District IV Supervisor Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor Contact: William Walker, M.D., 957-5404 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: May 5, 2009 David J. Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: June McHuen, Deputy cc: SD. 3 To:Board of Supervisors From:William Walker, M.D., Health Services Director Date:May 5, 2009 Contra Costa County Subject:Swine Flu Preparation in Contra Costa County BACKGROUND: (CONT'D) clinics, private providers, schools and others. Information is available on Health Services website cchealth.org , on the Health Emergency Information Line 888-959-9911, through 211 and from the Contra Costa Health Plan’s Advice Nurses at 877-661-6230 option 1. CLERK'S ADDENDUM Dr. Walker, Health Services Director, presented the staff report. He informed the Board that daily conferences are being held with Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the 13 Bay Area Health Departments. He said the five school closures in Contra Costa County (all elementary schools) were revised to seven days instead of fourteen, and that guidelines for school closures would continue to be evaluated. He said health authorities are cautiously optimistic because it appears at this time that the H1N1 virus is relatively mild, similar to the seasonal ‘flu. Dr. Brunner, Public Health Director, said health officials will remain vigilant in learning everything possible about this new virus. He said the virus is known to be susceptible to the drug Tamiflu ™, of which the County’s allocation from the federal stockpile has already been distributed for use, with more available should it be needed. He said he is confident the County supply is adequate to fill prescriptions. Kate Fowlie, Contra Costa County Health Services Department, said in addition to the websites, agencies are making use of new social media outlets including podcasts, Facebook ™ and Twitter™ with very positive results. She noted that www.cchealth.org is available in English and Spanish and is updated daily.