Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Keith House, Barbara Beardwell, and John Coughlan.

All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 August 2020 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

There were no deputations received.

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.

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.  Testing capacity has been stressed at the moment and while figures have been encouraging in the Southeast, there are some indications to proceed with caution.

In response to questions, Members heard: 

The rate of transmission is much slower in the younger population than in older people however due to existing health issues and underlying conditions older people are more likely to be impacted.

Capacity has been a priority in acute hospitals since July with the NHS moving towards recovery and restoration.  Measured and well-ordered preparations are in place should a Covid uptake be necessary in the future.  Covid-secure testing protocols are in place for discharge from hospitals and into care homes or discharge facilities with bed-based recovery, reablement, and independence.  Lab capacity for tests need to increase but positive progress has been made around care homes, though there can be local challenges.  Further funding has now been allocated for infection control and reducing staff working in multiple care settings and good compliance.

All excess deaths are included on the graph and NHS is considering Covid-related delays in provision of care (for cancer, heart disease, etc.) and deaths brought forward due to Covid.

Test availability and lab capacity is increasing but not keeping pace with the number of people presenting for tests.  Members noted concerns about people requesting tests without symptoms or having been sent long ways for testing.  Testing is a priority for only those showing one or more symptoms. 

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

To receive a verbal update from the Director of Public Health on actions taken and powers that have been used.

The Director of Public Health confirmed that no actions had been undertaken under delegated powers.  

However, the department continues working with colleagues to increase testing capacity and set up local testing units with care home weekly testing prioritized.

Preventative webinars are being shared with universities, schools, and boarding schools, as well as guidance on addressing outbreaks in various settings such as hotels, factories, and sites of strategic importance. Plans need continual revision based on new guidance.  

Closely managing the rule of 6 for any public events remains a priority, especially with organizers and public regarding any events.  If the number of cases increase, preparation is in place for actions that need to be taken.  Promoting, encouraging, and embedding social distancing throughout town centers and communities alongside district colleagues continues to provide safe places.  Non-pharmaceutical events take approximately two weeks to unfold. 

Covid Marshalls are not currently in areas of low prevalence but it will be important for them to have behaviour change skill to be an encouraging and enabling force. 

To receive a verbal update on community engagement and messaging, including communication with communities and district councils.

The Director of Public Health updated the Board on communications and engagement noting increased capacity for the Communications Team for getting the message out. 

In response to questions, Members heard:

Communication with schools continues with teachers helping with youngers children and advertisements and information on social media channels and relevant feeds are in place for older young people.  

Swift communications are in place in response to the outbreak and proactive commitment to track and trace.  Key briefings with stakeholders, press releases, social media messages, flow charts and plans, and social distancing advice continues.  Prevention work with young adults are in place using outdoor media such as the sides of buses, as well as intelligent targeting for different ethnic communities using social media.  Working with Children’s Services continues to support children returning to school and providing reassurances about safe measures at school.  Keeping Hampshire Safe brand is consistently used for communications.

Keeping communications open with all businesses regarding safety and protocols continues with the help of district, town, parish councils, liaising with chambers of commerce, business partnerships, trade associations, etc.

Members noted that with this quick moving pandemic, the Local Outbreak Engagement Board will meet as frequently as required for briefing sessions, outside of the planned meetings, in order to react quickly to unexpected changes and provide support as needed.