Decision details

Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the County Council’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Keith House addressed Cabinet. Councillor House thanked all involved for the work that had been done to keep the country and the county running. He noted that most areas were back to business as usual, with some residual issues relating to phone access. In light of possible future restrictions, Councillor House hoped that decision making would be consistent and well communicated to avoid confusion and help to ensure a positive path to recovery.

The Chief Executive introduced the report, highlighting public health responsibilities and the outbreak control functions. It was noted that rates of infection in Hampshire were rising but still relatively low and that across the country there was a significant range. The current position of testing capacity was drawn to Cabinet’s attention and recent decisions regarding fairs in Hampshire were set out. It was confirmed that the County Council was working closely with District colleagues to ensure that events that did go ahead complied with their mitigation commitments. With reference to the report, other key developments across the Council were highlighted and it was noted that although the phone lines did not have their original capacity, there was a robust system of service delivery in place through a variety of contact methods.

Cabinet welcomed the report and recognised that a highly efficient service continued to be offered despite the difficulties that were being faced. The possibility of improving testing with a rapid result option was discussed and it was noted that all testing provision was currently limited by laboratory capacity.

Members wished to emphasise the ongoing importance of social distancing and the actions that everyone could continue to take to prevent wider spread and infection. A particular strength of the County Council’s in-house adult care provision being able to take people out of hospital safely, avoiding onwards transmission was highlighted and welcomed.

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A

decision record is attached to these minutes.