Decision details

Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive setting out progress on the

County Council’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.

In introducing the report, the high levels of activity since the previous update were highlighted, particularly with regards to the re-introduction of a national lockdown and the roll out of the vaccine. Changes in the County Council’s emergency planning team were drawn to Members’ attention and Ian Hoult, the retiring head of emergency planning was thanked for his long service and contribution. The Government’s intention to proceed with local elections in May 2021 were noted and it was confirmed that the preparations for the elections had been drawn into Gold command to ensure their safety and success. Members heard that schools were working very hard on remote learning and the ongoing high quality of work by County Council staff was recognised.

The Director of Public Health updated Cabinet on the position in Hampshire, noting that the County was seeing a general fall in the rate of infection, which was in line with the South East average and younger people and the over 80s were most likely to be affected. Developments in the track and trace programme were highlighted and it was confirmed that there had been a strong take up of the vaccine by the over 80s and over 70s. The County Council was working in partnership with the NHS to deliver the vaccine, with the aim of preventing illness and mortality.

Cabinet welcomed the report and the Leader confirmed that he had recently written to all County Council staff thanking them for their hard work over the crisis. The challenges that many people were facing were recognised.

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

decision record is attached to these minutes.