Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 29^th September 2020 and to deal with any matters arising, attached.

RESOLVED: that the minutes for the Committee meeting on 29^th September 2020 be approved and signed as a correct record.

The Board received and noted the report of the Interim Director of Public Health detailing the Covid-19 national situation.  The Board reflected that prior to the national lockdown which came into force on 5^th November Southampton had been in tier 1, rates were low but were not without consequence for our health service.  National restrictions came into force at the right time for Southampton as there had been an increase in numbers.  Coming out of the national lockdown at the beginning of December Southampton went into tier 2 with the festive grace announced whereby up to 3 households could mix from 23^rd – 27^th December but it was important to note this would not be without risk.  There would be a further review in two weeks which would look at 5 points:-

·  Overall incident rate over 7 day period

·  Any changes

·  Numbers of over 60’s contracting the virus

·  Number of positivity rates

·  Impact on the health systems not only with Covid related admissions but the winter pressures of this time of year and elective care starting to back up.

The Board noted the vaccine programme had begun its roll out and that Hands, Face, Space and Isolate remained the key message.

The Board received and noted the report of the Interim Director of Public Health detailing the Covid-19 local situation update and response.

The Board particularly noted the use of mobile phone data which highlighted early warning trends such as mobility, during the national lockdown data indicated that movement had dropped off and there was compliance with the national restrictions.  When lockdown lifted data indicated that movement had crept back up.  Other trends that were being monitored included the monitoring of pathways and infection rates. 

The Board noted that there had been a regional drop in infections and saw Southampton (62 cases) below both the England (148 cases) and South East (147 cases) average.  In relation to age groups and infection it was noted that 20-29yrs was the highest followed by 10-19yrs and then the over 60’s.

The Board noted that 600/700 people were being tested per week and as of today 3.6% had tested positive against the 4.6% the previous week.  Hospital admissions in the last 7 days had seen 36 patients admitted which was a reduction of 14 from the previous 7 days.  Mortality in the City was a total of 180, 112 of which were in hospital, 68 in the community and 54 in care homes.

The Board received and noted the report of the Interim Director of Public Health detailing the Covid-19 Community Champions update.  The Board noted that the Community Champions project went live on 2^nd September and the report provided a summary of the project to date and future direction. 

Vicky Lee-Egerton and Ray White, Community Champions were in attendance at the meeting and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.

The Board received and noted the report of the Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities detailing Covid-19 Marshals.  The Board noted that Southampton City Council had been awarded £153,929 for 4 months of Covid secure compliance activity in the City and the report detailed the Council’s approach to delivering this along with the deployment of Covid-19 Marshals whose focus was the City Centre at weekends and busy district areas to provide advice and encouragement to follow and support the rules and provide a community feel.  It was noted that their role did not have any enforcement powers.  

Live Event Question and Answer Session to Members of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board.

The Board held a live event question and answer session from members of the public.