Issue - meetings

To receive a Public Health update on Covid 19.

The Committee received a presentation from the Director of Public Health, providing the latest data on the progress of the Covid 19 pandemic in Hampshire. It was highlighted that the Health and Wellbeing Board would be considering the ongoing impact of the pandemic on population health.

It was noted that, based on national guidance, there was a Plan A and Plan B for managing through the autumn and winter of 2021/22. Plan B would be invoked if there was evidence that the NHS was facing unsustainable pressure.

Members asked questions for clarification.

RESOLVED:

The Committee note the update.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Public Health, providing an update on developments in the Covid-19 public health response in Hampshire since the last meeting on 11 January.

The Committee received a presentation from the Director of Public Health (see Item 7 in the Minute Book) providing an update on the latest position on covid 19 in Hampshire. It was noted that infection rates were starting to reduce and excess deaths were below the 5 year average that week.

Offering community testing of asymptomatic residents had commenced on 22 February to try to identify and encourage to isolate some of the estimated third of cases where people have the virus without symptoms. Surge testing had also been undertaken in the community of Bramley where a case of the South African variant had been identified. There had been a 90% return rate of tests put through doors in the area and the results were awaited.

It was highlighted that under the governments recently announced ‘roadmap’ people would potentially be able to hold gatherings of six people outside from 29 March and no earlier than 21 June social contact rules could be fully relaxed.   

RESOLVED:

The Committee note the update.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Public Health providing the latest update on Covid 19.

The Committee received a presentation from the Director of Public Health (see Item 7 in the Minute Book) providing an update on the public health response in Hampshire to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Director provided the latest figures on the state of coronavirus in Hampshire. Members asked questions for clarification, and commented on the importance of getting the message through to people about the importance of social distancing.

RESOLVED:

To note the update.

To receive a Public Health overview update on Covid progression and monitoring including; current status; future modelling/second wave planning; Local Outbreak Control Plan. (to follow)

The Committee received a report from the Director of Public Health (see Item 6 in the Minute Book) providing an update on the public health response in Hampshire to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Director summarised the written report and provided the latest figures on the state of coronavirus in Hampshire. It was noted that as of 12 September there had been 5579 diagnosed cases in Hampshire, an increase of 99 in the last seven days, and this equated to a rate of 11.3 per 100,000 population (compared to a rate of 26.7 for all of England). While the rate locally was lower than in other parts of the country, it was rising.

The importance of testing for the virus was acknowledged and it was noted that it was the responsibility of the Director of Public Health to ensure appropriate measures to do so were in place locally. However, there was reliance on nationally run laboratories which were experiencing some capacity issues.

Work had been going on to develop approaches to managing the threat from the virus in high risk settings such as care homes and schools. On 2 September the ‘major incident’ approach to the response to the pandemic had been stood down, with a system around Local Outbreak Control planning taking its place.

Members asked questions to explore the issues. Regarding testing, it was noted that mobile units to offer testing were deployed across the county to different locations on different days, and local test facilities were being developed. To access a test people should use the government website or phone 119 to be advised of where to go or request a home test kit be posted to them. Details could be circulated to the Committee.

RESOLVED:

1. To note the COVID-19 situation.

2. To note the leadership role of the Public Health Director and function.

To receive an overview on the three different aspects in relation to COVID-19: the pandemic context, the impact on health and wellbeing, and the development of Outbreak Control Plans.

The Director of Public Health provided an overview of the Outbreak Control Plan.  Members heard that data is being evaluated from the very beginning in terms of who is receiving it, how it is being measured it, and with 3358 people having been diagnosed as of 8th June.  

Testing developments are being scaled up via NHS and with additional providers from the private sector and military.  Initially, it was unclear who would be tested, but there is more clarity now.  The mortality rate is actually closer to 1%.

Understanding the impact on health and wellbeing from a national perspective as well as the effects of delays, death, and disease will be critical.  Mental health issues and the bereavement process will be looked at in LRF work across Hampshire including managing worries, issues, and accessing the support needed.  

The Health Protection Board and a Member led Board are being set up to defend against future outbreaks.  There have not been pandemics at this scale in recent history and work is progressing with partners to provide assurance for issues across borders and manage those for Hampshire.  Further clarity is pending on the remit of the new funding to ensure the right structures are in place to manage risks.  

There will be more local ownership of testing, underpinned by local data rather than nationally led sites.  More results at the local geography level will help audit potential outbreaks while providing support for vulnerable residents and continued collaboration with partners and local leadership.

In response to questions, Members heard:

With regard to PPE the early days were in common with rest of country in terms of being unprepared and having a “just in time” approach but is now ready for a potential second wave or a new pandemic.  There is sufficient capacity and stock for the future.  LRF support is in place as well as mechanisms to support care and NHS sectors with help from Public Health.

The current evidence is that young and school age children are less affected by the virus.  Children being low spreaders and using consistent bubbles will help protect the staff.  Good ventilation and height difference will help in some cases, but teachers will need protection.  Testing for the bubble along with the staff will only be undertaken if there are symptomatic cases.  

Rebuilding public confidence in returning to hospitals will be critical.  Close collaboration is continuing with NHS and work taken forward to support and mitigate any new outbreaks.  Hospitals are conducting pre-admission tests and ensuring Covid wards are kept separate, has had a remarkable effect in preventing cross contamination and providing protection.  

Upper tier local authorities now have a plan in place and while there will be updates, a link to the plans on the website will be circulated via email following the meeting. 

Mental health and wellbeing issues and the ongoing low-level anxieties.  There are some not shielding who are still not wanting to go out.  It has been identified as issue to better understand prevalence  ...  view the full minutes text for item 207