MEETING DATE: 6/22/2021
DEPARTMENT: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
DEPT HEAD/DIRECTOR: Tracey Belton
AGENDA ITEM PREPARER:
SBC DEPT FILE NUMBER: 130
SUBJECT:
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - T. BELTON
Receive presentation and update from HHSA/Public Health Services on the respiratory disease coronavirus, also known as COVID-19; and discuss any additional measures desired by the Board to be scheduled at future Board meeting related to COVID-19 and discuss meetings to be scheduled quarterly and provide staff direction.
Adopt a Resolution and discussion on Prohibiting Any Entity from Establishing a Vaccine Requirement or Proof of Vaccine Requirement to Enjoy Any Benefit or Right Held By Citizens of San Benito County, and taking other action related to COVID.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 130
RESOLUTION NO: 2021-77
AGENDA SECTION:
REGULAR AGENDA
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
San Benito County Public Health Services is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19"). The update will focus on basic information and next steps in disease mitigation in the community.
At the June 8, 2021 Board meeting, Supervisor Hernandez requested that the Board direct staff to bring back a resolution similar to what was adopted in White Pine County, which would prohibit any entity in San Benito County from establishing a vaccine requirement or the requirement to present proof of a vaccine, and which would adopt additional protections for individual personal and religious freedom to make medical decisions, and which would emphasize the need for additional education to the business community about actions that would be prohibited under the resolution and lastly to direct staff and medical providers to provide more information to individuals so they can make an informed choice about vaccination.
The attached draft resolution is based off of the White Pine County Resolution. This resolution calls for the following:
I. That no business, entity, or organization in San Benito County shall require any person to receive a vaccination, or be required to show proof of a vaccination, as a condition of employment.
II. That no business, entity, or organization in San Benito County shall require any person to receive a vaccination, or be required to show proof of a vaccination, as a condition of patronizing any business, entity, or organization.
III. That as individuals are encouraged to make medical decisions with his or her informed consent, in concert with the medical provider of his or her choosing, and has the right to maintain his or her privacy regarding said decisions, no business, entity, or organization shall interfere with those rights in any way.
IV. That San Benito County will not require nor will it enforce any mandate that requires persons to wear masks for face coverings.
V. That San Benito County will issue no mask or face covering mandates
VI. That the County shall treat all individuals whether or not they receive a vaccine equally, and
VII. Separation into people in San Benito County into separate groups or classes, based on their vaccination status, shall not occur for any purpose.
VIII. That San Benito County will not enforce any mask or face covering mandates issued by any outside agency.
IX. That all signage requiring masks or face coverings shall be removed from all County facilities
X The County requests that California leadership direct clarity, not confusion or conflict, between different California Departments, and the regulations promulgated by those Departments.
XI. That all medical providers should take all necessary steps to provide informed consent pursuant to the EUA.
X. That the State shall take all action necessary to allow all County employees and citizens to be empowered to make their own decisions regarding whether to wear a mask, with which such decision shall not be interfered.
VII. That all County employees are empowered to make their own decisions regarding whether to wear a mask, with which such decision shall not be interfered.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
BUDGETED:
No
Budget Adjustment Needed: N/A