Agenda item

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 and updates to the published presentation.  

There has been a changing position and rise in cases over the weekend across the Southeast, though Hampshire remains in a good position.  Early part of December was lower but going up again though there are some unvalidated numbers.  Hampshire is currently at 89.7 and gone up slightly.  The region is a picture of concern with the highest rates with increases in Kent, Surrey, Buckingham, Oxford, while Hampshire and Isle of Wight is in a more favourable position, but rates are still rising.  

A similar picture for 60+ residents is emerging and the case rate change rising in all districts, though some are considerably higher and a concerning position across the county.  With regards to hospital pressures and in-patient diagnoses, there is a steady increasing trend with Portsmouth Hospital Trust is admitting the highest admissions.  Pressures on the NHS are a key concern in determining tiers.  Deaths are rising but the numbers lag behind infection rates and are currently under the 5-year rate.

Indicators for determining tier that are considered nationally were reviewed and local sight of them is helpful to be mindful of the current position.  There is a ripple impact from surrounding areas and Christmas period relaxation of rules will see rising rates.  

In response to questions, Members heard:

Direction of travel is very clear and silver lining may be that rates are not increasing in Hampshire quite as quickly as other areas and can be managed so hospitals are not overwhelmed.

Rates rising is disturbing and in terms of local compliance appears good and Hampshire messaging is important for the relaxation period and central action taken.  Well received messaging is critical and focused messaging for ahead of concern Gosport, Havant, and Rushmore, but across all of Hampshire as well.  Insight work to ensure we are meeting population needs has been a priority for working with the Communications team.  Work continues to prepare for the Tier that is announced on 16 December.

District councils continue to prioritize and maintain community spread of infection and have received government funding and deployed staff to support busy public areas and encourage visitors, residents, and retail businesses to comply and working alongside police colleagues.  

District and unitary leadership meetings are continuing to ensure consistency in messaging across the area.  Remaining in the same tier will help manage the spread and infection across the county.  

Substantial rises are often commuter belts into London and is it possible to discourage travel into London, with positive lifestyle messaging across LRF.  This messaging is emphasized and discouraging unnecessary travel in general.  Intercommuting for work or social and family connections does have an effect on spread.  Trends and connections are reviewed, and specific messaging targeted for those areas, in collaboration with unitaries and NHS hospital trusts.  Work travel will need to continue so the messaging will need to be in line with current guidelines.

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