County health and EMS brief commissioners on coronavirus preparedness; board requests follow‑up
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
MTW Health Director Wes Gray and EMS Director Jennifer O'Neal said EMS has a plan and staff are being trained; O'Neal urged residents to avoid panic and to use reputable information sources. The board asked for a follow‑up briefing in April.
MTW Health Director Wes Gray and EMS Director Jennifer O'Neal updated the Washington County Board of Commissioners on coronavirus preparedness during the March 3 meeting. Gray provided a handout and O'Neal summarized EMS readiness: providers are being trained and protocols are in place.
O'Neal emphasized basic hygiene and accurate information, advising residents to "avoid panicking" and to "go to a reputable source of information" to avoid false information. County officials reiterated standard precautions: wash hands for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available.
Chair D. Cole Phelps thanked the presenters and asked them to return with another update at the April meeting.
Why it matters: Local public health and emergency services readiness can affect how effectively the county responds to emerging communicable disease threats and how residents access reliable guidance.