Bri Eichstaedt, REHS/RS, Health Agent
beichstaedt@easthamptonma.gov
(413) 529-1400, ext. 430 voice
(413) 529-1442 fax
Kimberley Rock, Public Health Nurse
krock@easthamptonma.gov
Jackie Sienkiewicz, Administrative Assistant
health@easthamptonma.gov
(413) 529-1400 ext. 430 voice
(413) 529-1442 fax
Kyle Kinlock, Animal Inspector
(413) 529-1400 ext. 430 voice
(413) 529-1442 fax
Office Hours:
Monday - 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday - 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday- Closed
The office is staffed daily from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Please call in advance for an appointment, as the Health Agent is often out of the office and in the field.
Current Board of Health Orders:
COVID19
UPDATED: April 3, 2020
If you are not sick but are:
- a close contact to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 OR
- recently returned from any travel outside of MA
Please follow these important steps to help stop the spread: Self Quarantine & Self Isolation Information for the Public
UPDATED: April 1, 2020
UPDATED: March 31, 2020
Effective immediately, the Board of Health voted in two orders that will remain in place until rescinded.
UPDATED: March 26, 2020
Do you need a test to determine if you may have COVID-19?
The testing sites below are available by appointment only. If you believe you may need a test, first contact your health care provider. If he or she recommends that you should be tested, but their facility cannot offer the test, obtain a referral and contact one of the facilities listed below. You may need to undergo an additional eligibility screen before you can be tested. If you have a clinician’s referral, contact one of the sites below to make an appointment. These sites do NOT take walk-ins and require an appointment.
UPDATED: March 26, 2020
UPDATED GUIDANCE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR GROCERY STORES, PHARMACIES, CONVENIENT STORES, AND ALL ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
On March 25, 2020, Governor Baker released an order pertaining to grocery stores and pharmacies who remain open as they are deemed essential. In addition, the Easthampton Board of Health is requiring all convenient stores and essential businesses that remain open to the public adhere to the following requirements, if applicable, as well.
It is imperative that business owners and managers follow these requirements and enforce them. As essential businesses, there is high foot traffic in your establishments including those who may be elderly, immunocompromised, and/or high-risk.
Governor Baker's Order 3/25/20
UPDATED: March 24, 2020
UPDATED: March 23, 2020
ORDER ASSURING CONTINUED OPERATION OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES IN THE COMMONWEALTH, CLOSING CERTAIN WORKPLACES, AND PROHIBITING GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE
On March 23, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker ordered the following:
Essential Services & Workforces
- The production and service sectors included in Exhibit A are designated as "COVID-19 Essential Services" and may continue operations during the state of emergency; however, social distancing protocols shall continue to be in place.
- Restaurants and other retail establishments that sell food/beverage may continue to offer food and beverage for take-out and delivery as long as the social distancing protocols continue to be in place. On-premise consumption shall not be permitted.
- All other businesses that do not provide COVID-19 Essential Services shall close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public as of 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and shall not re-open to workers, customers, or the public before 12:00 noon on April 7, 2020.
Gathering Limitations
- Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited throughout the Commonwealth.
- This limitation shall not apply to the operations of any business or organization in its provision or delivery of COVID-19 Essential Services
- Athletic and recreational activities that bring participants into close, physical contact are prohibited even when involving 10 or fewer people.
Enforcement
- The Department of Public Health, along with any Board of Health or authorized agent shall enforce this Order and if necessary may do so with the assistance of State or municipal police.
- Violation of the terms of this Order may result in a criminal penalty of a civil fine of up to $300/violation.
Copies of the Order, Guidance on the Order, and a list of the Essential Services/Workforces (Exhibit A) can be found here:
Essential Services List (Exhibit A)
UPDATED: March 19, 2020
COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS): ORDER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
REQUIREMENT OF HAIR SALONS, ESTHETIC (SKIN CARE) SALONS, SPAS, NAIL SALONS, BARBER SHOPS, AND BODY ART ESTABLISHMENTS
Due to the inability to maintain the minimum social distancing of 6 feet, the Easthampton Board of Health is requiring all Easthampton:
- Hair salons
- Esthetic salons (skin care)
- Spas
- Nail salons
- Barber shops
- Massage therapy establishments
- Body art establishments
to suspend operations effective Monday, March 23, 2020 through Sunday, April 5, 2020. This order will be re-evaluated in two weeks and may be extended.
Questions should be emailed to the Health Agent at: beichstaedt@easthamptoma.gov
UPDATED: March 19, 2020
Guidance for Early Childhood Education Programs
Governor Baker has ordered all early childhood education programs across the State of Massachusetts to suspend providing childcare by 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, March 22, 2020. This will remain in effect until April 6, 2020.
At the same time, the Department of Early Education and Care (“EEC”) is establishing a process to approve Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs to serve vulnerable children and the children of families who are required to work to maintain the health, safety and welfare of all Commonwealth citizens.This approach prioritizes public health and safety while maintaining critical service for vulnerable children and the children of families who are required to work during this pandemic.
Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs will be the only child care programs that are allowed to operate during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
Child care providers who are able to begin providing Emergency Child Care must begin the approval process by applying here: Exempt Emergency Child Care Inquiry Form for Programs
For more information, including FAQ's, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guidance-related-to-early-childhood-education-programs#frequently-asked-questions---for-providers-
UPDATED: March 18, 2020
Easthampton Board of Health Guidance to All Easthampton Based Businesses:
In order to slow the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Easthampton Board of Health has the following guidance that shall be followed by all Easthampton based businesses that are currently open to the public: Guidance for all Easthampton Based Businesses
The following signs shall be posted on all entrances to your business:
UPDATED: March 16, 2020
On March 15, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker announced the following:
- On premise consumption of food and drink is not allowed. This includes all restaurants, bars, or establishments.
- Takeout and curbside pickup may remain in place given social distancing is followed (minimum of 6 feet).
- Gatherings of 25 or more are prohibited throughout the Commonwealth.
- Grocery/retail stores and pharmacies are EXEMPT from the 25 person limit.
For the full text of the order, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/doc/march-15-2020-large-gatherings-25-and-restaurants-order/download
For additional guidance on the above-mentioned order, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/doc/march-15-2020-assemblage-guidance/download
Food establishments shall screen all of their employees prior to their arrival at work every day. Any employee who is experiencing symptons of COVID19 such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath should EXCLUDE themselves from work and self-quarantine for 14 days immediately. Additionally, employees should be asked if they have been in contact with a confirmed case or have recently traveled to a country with widespread ongoing transmission.
Food establishments shall clearly post on their doors that anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID19 shall NOT enter the premises. Examples of signage can be found below.
High touch areas such as POS systems, phones, doorknobs, countertops, etc. shall be frequently disinfected. Employees shall be washing hands frequently. Hand sanitizer shall be available for the public before entering or shortly after entering.
Countries Experiencing Widespread Ongoing Transmission
Signage for Food Establishments/Bars re: takeout/on premise consumption
Signage for All Businesses re: symptoms
Signage for All Businesses re: important information to read prior to entering
Guidance to Food Establishments
UPDATED: March 12, 2020
PLEASE NOTE: Guidance from the State Department of Public Health is changing daily. The Easthampton Health Department will continue to update this report as soon as possible; however, for the most recent information, including the current number of confirmed and presumptive cases, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
On March 10, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency giving the state administration more flexibility to respond to the outbreak of COVID 19. The full text can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-591-declaration-of-a-state-of-emergency-to-respond-to-covid-19
The World Health Organization has declared COVID19 as a pandemic. A pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease.
What is COVID19?
-COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.
What are the symptoms?
-Symptoms include fever, cough/shortness of breath, and in severe cases, pneumonia.
-There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this novel coronavirus infection.
How does it spread?
-Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses and are generally spread through respiratory secretions (droplets from coughs and sneezes) of an infected person to another person.
Prevention
-Wash your hands often
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
-Clean things that are frequently touched (doorknobs, countertops, etc.)
-Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
-Stay home if you are sick
-Maintain 6 feet of distance from others
Treatment
-At this time there is no specific treatment for this novel coronavirus. Antiviral medications used to treat other types of viruses are being used but their efficacy is not known at this time.
Notification of Illness
-If you are experiencing or receive a call or notice from someone experiencing respiratory symptoms who has recently traveled to China, Iran, South Korea, or Italy and/or has had exposure or possible exposure to an individual with COVID-19, encourage them to call their medical provider or notify the ambulance or emergency department before they go to receive care of their symptoms. This will allow medical staff to arrange for a visit that does not put other patients or staff at risk of infection.
Isolation/Quarantines
-Isolation refers to separating people who are ill from other people to prevent the spread of a communicable disease.
-Quarantine refers to separating and restricting the movement of people who have been exposed to a communicable disease and are not yet ill.
-The Easthampton Health Department may find themselves in the position of monitoring those in quarantine (individuals who may have been exposed to COVID19, but who are not showing signs of illness) and potentially enforcing quarantine in partnership with the Department of Public Health. Generally, quarantines are for 14 days, since that is the longest incubation period seen with similar coronaviruses. In addition the Health Department may be involved in monitoring those who are ill with COVID19 and who have been instructed to isolate themselves at home (i.e., those not needing hospitalization). Isolation periods will differ, depending on the length and severity of symptoms.
Additional Helpful Information
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Food Trucks:
Inspections for annual permits must be scheduled at least 2 weeks prior to your first event. Please contact the Health Department AND the Fire Department to coordinate an inspection.
Fire Prevention: Captain Dan Constantine: (413) 527-4200 x2120
Event Coordinators: CLICK HERE for a current list of food trucks that are permitted for 2020. If a truck is not on the list, they are not yet permitted for this year.
2020 Mobile Food Renewal Process
Mobile Food Permit Application
Mobile Food Pre-Operational Checklist
Temporary Food Events:
If you are serving or selling prepared OR pre-packaged food or drink at a public event, you must apply for a temporary food permit. If you are unsure if a permit is required, please contact the Health Agent for clarification.
Temporary food applications must be submitted at least 10 days in advance. Application fees are doubled when submitted within 10 days of an event or may not be accepted. The fee for a temporary food event is $45 per day.
APPLICATIONS, FEE SCHEDULE, BOARD OF HEALTH REGULATIONS & OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
Current Events/Important Information
Effective December 11, 2019: 105 CMR 665: Minimum Standards for Retail Sale of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
The MA Department of Public Health (DPH) has promulgated an emergency regulation, 105 CMR 665: Minimum Standards for Retail Sale of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems effective as of December 11, 2019. As a result, there are important new requirements for retails establishments that sell tobacco. The full text of the regulation is available here.
Effective immediately. Pursuant to 105 CMR 665: Non-age restricted establishments such as convenience stores and liquor stores:
- Cannot sell any flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems such as flavored e-cigarettes and flavored vaping products.
- Cannot sell electronic nicotine delivery systems with nicotine content greater than 35 milligrams per milliliter.
- Cannot advertise tobacco products that they cannot sell, use fraudulent or misleading statements in advertising, or display advertisements with celebrities, cartoons or similar endorsements.
- Can sell non-flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems with nicotine content 35 milligrams or less per milliliter.
- Must maintain records obtained by the manufacturer that validate the nicotine content of electronic nicotine delivery systems available for sale on the premises.
- This documentation may be provided to the retailer by a distributer, but must have originally come from the manufacturer.
- Must maintain records obtained by the manufacturer that validate the nicotine content of electronic nicotine delivery systems available for sale on the premises.
- Must keep all tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, for sale behind the counter where sales are made, out of reach of consumers and not on the counter.
- Must display all of the following signs in plain view by a person standing at the cash register (establishments must use the signs developed and provided by DPH):
- The text of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 270, Sections 6 and 6A
- A statement that the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to someone under the minimum legal sales age is prohibited
- Notice that the sale of flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems is prohibited
- A warning about the health impacts of vaping
- Information on tobacco cessation services
Effective June 1, 2020. Pursuant to 105 CMR 665: Non-age restricted establishments and Retail Tobacco Stores:
- Cannot sell any tobacco products that have a characterizing flavor (i.e. menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars and chewing tobacco) or tobacco product flavor enhancer.
EEE Risk in Easthampton Ends 11/4/19
When temperatures between 27-29 degrees Fahrenheit have occurred over wide geographic areas, risk from mosquito-borne disease is considered to have ended inside that area. The map below indicates that Easthampton has experienced temperatures between 24-26 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the risk for EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) has ended.
Governor Charlie Baker Declares Public Health Emergency, Announces Temporary Four-Month Ban on Sale of All Vape Products
Governor Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency in response to confirmed and suspected cases of severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana vaping products in the Commonwealth. The Governor called for a temporary four-month statewide ban on the sale of flavored and non-flavored vaping products in both retail stores and online. The sales ban applies to all vaping products and devices, including tobacco and marijuana. The ban takes effect immediately and lasts through January 25, 2020.
Full Press Release & Copy of Declaration
Information About the Ban, Including FAQ's
Information on the Dangers of Vaping
Improved Indoor Air Quality at White Brook Middle School Press Release 9/23/19
Indoor Air Quality at White Brook Middle School Press Release 9/23/19
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Easthampton is currently ranked "low risk" for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Important preventions methods include:
-Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours (dusk and dawn)
-Use an EPA approved mosquito repellant
-When you are outdoors, wear long pants/long sleeves
-Drain standing water around your home
-Repair damaged window screens
The MA DPH recommends cancelling evening activities when a community is at high risk.
EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. EEE can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under age 15 are at particular risk. EEE does not occur every year, but based on mosquito sampling, a high risk of occurrence of human cases currently exists.
Easthampton's risk level is being monitored closely. If there are any changes, the public will be notified.
For more information:
EEE Risk Map for MA Communities
Mosquito Repellent Information
Public Health Cannabidiol-Hemp (CBD) Advisory
MDAR- Policy Statement-Sale of Hemp
MA DPH- CBD in Food Manufactured or Sold in Massachusetts
Cyanobacteria Algae Bloom Press Release 8/19/19
Cyanobacteria Press Release 8/19/19
CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY LIFTED 9/13/19
The second round of sampling has been completed at both Nashawannuck and Lower Mill Ponds. The laboratory analysis showed a cyanobacteria level below the MDPH guideline at both locations.
The advisories at both location are now rescinded and signs will be removed this evening.
If you have any further questions, you may call the Health Department office at 413-529-1400 ext. 430 or send an email to: beichstaedt@easthamptonma.gov
Changes to the FDA Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590
On October 5, 2018, the state adopted the 2013 Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590. Previously, we were enforcing the 1999 code. We are currently enforcing the 2013 code.
2013 Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590
Sample Employee Health Policy Agreement
Sample Vomit/Diarrhea Clean Up Procedure
Sample 'Recent Inspection Report Available' Sign
Board of Health
Maggie Hebert, Chair
Jennifer Lesperance
Aimee Petrosky
The Health Department and the Board of Health work towards the maintenance and promotion of a healthy community. The Board of Health is responsible for making health policy for the City of Easthampton, which includes creating new policies and regulations, holding public hearings on existing policies and regulations, issuing permits and hearing variance requests for existing policies and regulations. The Health Department is responsible for implementing the policies of the Board. As a result, The Department is responsible for the enforcement of policy, including inspections and fines.
The Board and the Department meet their mission by focusing on the following practices:
Assurance: Ensuring that all Easthampton residents have the services necessary to maintain or restore good health either by providing services directly, by coordinating the delivery of services by other agencies, and by policy or regulation development.
Assessment: Systematically collecting, assembling, analyzing, and making available information regarding the health of the community, including statistics on health status, community health needs, and epidemiological studies of health problems.
Policy Development: Developing and implementing comprehensive public health policies, regulations, and legislation.
Promotion: Providing services and educational opportunities that encourage healthy environments and lifestyles.
Public Health Nurse
Local Boards of Health have a crucial role in the prevention and control of communicable diseases in the community. The public health nurse provides clinical evaluation, case management, epidemiology, and health education, skills essential in helping to protect the health of Easthampton.
The public health nurse’s responsibilities are based on laws, regulations and best practice.
These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Communicable disease investigation, surveillance and control
- Oversees the Tuberculosis Program
- Provide means for vaccinations directed by the immunization schedule and guidelines
- Organize and conduct immunization clinics for influenza
- Provide education and consultation to individuals, health care providers, and other agencies
- Participate in Emergency Preparedness planning
The Public Health Nurse’s work focuses on the health of the entire population of the Easthampton community rather than services to individuals.
She works 10 hours per week.
