Issue - meetings

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman noted that this was the last formal meeting of the Board prior to the election in May and confirmed that briefings would continue as needed.  The Board will then continue to meet until lockdown is lifted in June 2021 at the earliest and review summer events and engagement as required.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman noted the encouraging news regarding completed vaccinations within the county.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman made the general observation that everyone must continue to be very careful, have their guard up, and abide by the rules.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman noted that while there has been an increase in cases across the Southeast and it can vary, it is advisable that per government recommendations, intergenerational mixing of households and bubbles are not necessary, and must be managed carefully, especially indoors.  Increased mask wearing is also being encouraged both inside and outdoors.

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 any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman wished to acknowledge that the situation had changed radically over the weekend in terms of scientific and medical advice with rates rising and a national lockdown effective from Thursday, 5 November 2020.  He noted that meetings with districts will continue and are even more necessary to ensure all actions are coordinated to lower the R rate, preferably to less than 1 and exit the lockdown early December.

The Chairman stated that the intention is to maintain the present arrangements for the Local Outbreak Engagement Board and to include additional briefings in order to rapidly and flexibly respond to developments and keep the public informed.  The traditional notice period for publishing for formal meetings is a challenge for quick changes in the situation. 

In the spirit of transparency, accountability, and reassurance, as the only dedicated public meeting to deliberate and manage the outbreak, more formal meetings will be added, and updates and information will continue to be shared by the Communications team.  A properly joined up approach with Public Health, districts and unitary authorities, and Local Resilience Forum will allow for a coordinated response, but shared boundaries will remain a challenge.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman wished to acknowledge that over the last 48 hours, the actual numbers of those testing positive had gone up due to the significant number of tests not accounted for and the national correction has led to higher numbers in Hampshire.  Upcoming public activities will be considered under national guidelines with a degree of consistency across the county and the region, though challenging with moving targets, rapid national changes, and area-specific lockdowns.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman welcomed Members and noted that the current stage of the pandemic reflected an increase in positive tests and a small rise in the number of people in hospitals.  The actual rate of increase in Hampshire is still below the national average, though contingency plans will be critical if the rates continue to rise.