Agenda item

Cath Bedford, Public Health Principal – Communities and Craig Aubrey, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer were welcomed to the meeting.

Members were reminded of the national lockdown which commenced on 5^th January, 2021 and it was noted that the rate of infection was steadily but persistently rising with around 100 new cases per day across the borough but it was hoped that this would reduce as a result of the current lockdown.  Rises were generally seen in the working age population, especially in those aged 50-59 and 20-39.  The public health message of ‘Hands, Face, Space’ remained and Members were also reminded of the need to open windows for fresh air particularly during the winter months.

Members heard that situation report meetings were held twice a week to consider data, and it was noted that cases seemed distributed across the borough.  Members were encouraged to feed in any intelligence which may result in understanding any patterns.

16 Covid Marshals had been employed and though they had no formal powers of enforcement, they worked closely with Police and Regulatory Service staff who did. Their recent observations included lack of face coverings being worn, poor social distancing, and a lack of signage in commercial premises.  Also noted were recurrent gatherings of young people in outdoor public places.

Those present heard how six Neighbourhood Engagement Officers were now in post.  One was assigned to each Area Council. Members also heard about the community insights work, with workshops being organised to understand behaviour in relation to Covid.  A Workshop had also been organised for Elected Members on the 2^nd February, 2021.  Additional finance had been secured to support engagement with disabled and BAME communities.

Members noted the work to support vulnerable communities impacted by Covid, and to understand and support the management of any outbreaks.

Members heard about the Covid Support Service in place to support the national test and trace efforts, with welfare telephone calls being made and even house visits for those unable to be reached. 

Details of the Community Testing Centre at the Metrodome were provided. Symptomatic testing was being provided at three sites throughout the borough.  In addition, a mobile testing unit was available which this week would be at the Cinema car park in Penistone.  A pilot had opened recently focusing on the routine testing of critical frontline workers. 

It was acknowledged that routine testing would also be undertaken in secondary schools, but further detail on this was outstanding.

Vaccinations had commenced with sites at Priory Campus, Apollo Court and Goldthorpe Medical Centre.  Members were asked to encourage residents to wait to be called for their vaccine rather than making enquiries.

Craig Aubrey, then provided details about the role of Neighbourhood Engagement Officers and the work they were currently undertaking. They supported compliance in businesses, and referred any issues for enforcement where necessary, working closely with Covid Marshals, Response Co-ordinator and Community Responders.  The role also included raising awareness of financial support to businesses in the area.    Work was also undertaken with the community to identify and tackle issues that arose in relation to non-compliance with the Covid guidance. 

Members were asked to report any breaches of Covid guidance which would provide useful intelligence for all agencies supporting this effort.

In response to questions it was explained how the Neighbourhood Engagement Officers and Covid Marshalls worked alongside Community Safety Officers and the Police to share intelligence information and ensure a seamless approach particularly in relation to investigations and actions in respect of breaches of Covid guidance.  Cath Bedford also reported on joint visits that had been organised involving Covid Marshalls and the South Yorkshire Police.

It was recognised that Covid Marshalls did not have powers of enforcement and any fines had to be issued by the Police, but they also worked closely with Regulatory Service to try to ensure appropriate compliance.  It was pleasing to note, however, that the majority or residents/businesses accepted the advice issued.

Further information on the rationale for the placement of the Mobile Testing Unit would be provided but it was thought that decisions about this were largely based on identified need/hot spots. 

The Chair commented that an issue that she had raised with the Neighbourhood Engagement Officer had been dealt with quickly and efficiently and the problem had not occurred again and thanks were extended to the Team for that.

RESOLVED  that Cath Bedford and Craig Aubrey be thanked for attending the meeting, presenting the report and answering Members questions.