Agenda item

Cath Bedford, Public Health Principal – Communities; Kay Tinkler, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer; and Laura Dixon, 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.  Rises were generally seen in the working age population, especially in those aged 50-59 and 20-39.  The message of ‘Hands, Face, Space’ remained and Members were also reminded of the need to open windows for fresh air.

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 have no formal powers of enforcement, they will work closely with Police and Regulatory Service staff who do. 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.  Additional finance had been secure 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. This had opened recently with a pilot focusing on the routine testing of critical frontline workers.  Members noted that the lateral flow tests used were less accurate and any individual tested positive would be referred for a more accurate PCR test.

Members noted that Barnsley currently had three testing sites for those with symptoms, and a mobile testing unit.  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.

Members were provided details about the role of Neighbourhood Engagement Officers. They supported compliance in businesses, and referred any issues for enforcement where necessary, working closely with Covid Marshals and Community Responders.  The role also included raising awareness of financial support to businesses in the area.    Members were asked to report any breaches of Covid guidance which would provide useful intelligence for all agencies supporting this effort.

It was noted that the Central Area covered more wards and a greater population than other Area Councils.  Members heard how resource from the Penistone Area could be used to assist Central when required.

Members discussed capacity at testing centres, and it was noted that there were no issues with capacity at the time of the meeting. Members were asked to encourage anyone with symptoms to get tested. Members discussed the rate of positive tests, and how many of these would lead to hospital admissions.  It was agreed that this information would be provided if available.

Those present discussed the impact of vaccinations and whether this would lead to complacency, noting that guidance should be adhered to even when vaccinated.

The issues around schools and congregating parents were discussed, and it was noted that Covid Marshals could be deployed to situations such as this and schools had been aware of this offer.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That thanks be given to officers for the update;

(ii)          That figures relating to  admission to hospital and any correlation to the rate of positive tests be provided to Members.