Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies received.

All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code.  Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code.  Furthermore, Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 November 2020 were agreed as a correct record. 

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

There were no deputations received.   

The Chairman invited Councillor Jackie Porter to speak who thanked the Education Advisory Panel for their recent efforts.  She inquired about clarity for the community and parents as Perins School in Alresford reopens on 2 December and that all the right pathways are being followed.  The Director of Public Health confirmed that the department, alongside Children’s Services are working to address, ensure, and promote community understanding.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman noted that Hampshire would exit the lockdown in Tier 2 and that the status would next be reviewed on 16 December.

To receive a report from the Director of Public Health on the current situation and up to date data.

The Director of Public Health shared the weekly update with the Board outlining the current position in term of managing the outbreak in Hampshire including data on current infection numbers, the position for care homes and death rates across the county.  

An update and rationale on tiers were shared and a review of the 7-day rate across England, the Southeast, and other areas.  The 7-day case rate has been decreasing over the last few days. The case rate for over-60s, more likely to be hospitalized and have serious effects of Covid, is also coming down.  

NHS admissions were rapidly going up until mid-November but are now stabilizing.  An overview of ventilated beds, hospital admissions, and increasing death rate (still below the 5-year weekly average) were reviewed.  Maps depicted the spread of infection and the breakdown for Hampshire and surrounding areas.  It is best to remain cautious and review the impact of lockdown that ends 2 December 2020.

In response to questions Members heard:

·         There are five measurements for determining tiers and the next review is expected prior to 16 December

·         A sustained drop in figures over a significant amount of time is the goal, being mindful of the looser restrictions over Christmas and compliance in the New Year

·         While the rate of increase is dropping, it is a recent start but overall still an increase and thus Tier 2 will promote the appropriate restrictions

·         There has been a lag in the death rate and unfortunately, it will continue to rise following the cases increases we have seen recently

·         Research continues on the effect of Covid alongside winter and respiratory illnesses and there are worse outcomes for those with combined risks, such as Covid and influenza, or Covid and weight issues

·         While there have been pressures to exit into a lower tier, the concern is to move out too early and not have the correct restrictions in place, with the added risk of higher rates after Christmas

·         Now is the time to encourage people of all ages to stick to the rules

·         Promoting good messages of hand hygiene and social distancing across districts and county should continue to move safely through to Tier 1 when appropriate 

·         Additional messaging from Public Health, General Practitioners (GPs), and Primary Care Networks will encourage healthier actions to avoid increased risks

·         A weight management service is being funded next year to help people protect themselves from Covid, with a system wide approach for able people to exercise more and encouraging lifestyle changes to mitigate effects of Covid and weight 

·         GPs have been inviting in high risk patients to address any concerns and ensure right prescriptions and encourage healthy choices

·         It is hoped that there is a shift of resources towards prevention and Public Health

·         Shared messaging must continue to encourage both masks and social distancing  

·         The Hampshire Local Outbreak Engagement Board noted the current data and implications.

The Hampshire Local Outbreak Engagement Board noted the current data and implications.

To receive an update from the Director of Public Health on actions taken and powers that have been used.

The Director of Public Health provided an overview on the preparation for the end of lockdown on 2 December 2020 and testing.  

Members heard that steps are being taken to ensure the right testing capacity with two new initiatives – the lateral flow test and local pilot of the saliva test to be used in appropriate settings as needed.  This will require local logistics, coordination, and additional sites to increase testing capacity.

When ready, Covid vaccinations will be NHS led with Public Health leadership and logistics work for Hampshire and the Local Resilience Forum, setting up vaccination centres and sites within each Primary Care Network (PCN).  Challenges with storage temperatures will mean those particular vaccines will likely be used in NHS settings and mass vaccination centres.  While vaccinations are now in sight, it will take encouraging all of the population to take it up and move forwards to be freer from Covid. Work will continue to ensure the whole population gets vaccinations and it is a priority to engage and encourage those not likely to get them.  For accessibility across the County, 37 PCNs will have own vaccination locations connected to local areas.  It will be logistically complicated to allow for social distancing, a 15-minute wait after vaccination, and domiciliary services for those who are not able to travel.  

Currently Track and Trace data is also being reviewed to understand causation, circumstances, travel etc. and to help people with medicines or caring responsibilities.

Members noted the update.

To receive an update on community engagement and messaging, including communication with communities and district councils.

The Executive Member of Public Health updated the Board on communications and engagement noting the campaign summary, increased messaging and repeating, with use of new formats and animation.  

Members heard that support for high risk settings continue for both schools and adult social care sector.  The community has shared positive messages regarding their experiences with support.  

In addition to Covid 19 weekly summaries, news queries, and national restrictions for the second lockdown, newsletters and targeted messaging for stakeholders continues for businesses, faith, prison, transport, shielding, BAME community, and schools.

Communications will continue regarding the 5-day loosening of restrictions over Christmas and will continue to stress the current level of restrictions and situation with key messages to right people at the right time.  To avoid Covid-weariness, keeping messages appropriate, hopeful, and fresh has been key.  

Messaging will continue to be valuable in providing clarity about vaccinations, immunity, and tiers, consistent with NHS messaging as well.  Extensive and comprehensive communications have continued in over 500 schools to ensure the right messaging goes out to parents, carers, and local communities.  Academies and some other schools have also reached out for these services, but not all. 

More information about tiers is expected prior to the next meeting on 15 December.

The meeting ended at 1:50pm