Island COVID Task Force to meet monthly
The Pine Island Pandemic Task Force has decided to meet monthly, rather than weekly, as discussed at its Oct. 18 meeting.
The group, which began primarily with nurses who were focused on disseminating information regarding the pandemic to islanders, has had various group members who have since undertaken projects, such as the distribution of bi-lingual flyers, informing islanders of the potential dangers of the COVID-19 virus and information on where and how to get vaccinated.
“Is it useful to keep going when the information is out there?” asked Task Force member Martha Huard, adding that although the message may seem repetitive, there really is no way not to repeat the only available information.
Dr. Daniel Hanley said, while the group’s meetings can add value to a situation such as a pandemic crisis, he doesn’t feel the Task Force is being as effective as the group intended.
“Different people want to get their information from a variety of resources, such as Facebook and the local news. I think that we provided objective data. I feel we are veering way too much into vaccine focus, rather than other ways to manage the pandemic, for example, new treatment options,” Hanley said.
The consistent messaging, he said, should be mask wearing, washing hands and all directives that will help the population avoid not only COVID, but also the flu. Up-selling these preventative measures, rather than telling people repeatedly to get vaccinated, is the best thing the group can do, in his opinion.
“People just don’t want the shot, and the more we beat them over the head with it, the more they are going to get turned off. I’m concerned that we are not getting those perspectives. This is supposed to represent Pine Island,” Hanley said.
The next Pine Island Pandemic Task Force Zoom meeting will take place on Nov. 15