Minutes:
Lucy Butcher (Public Health) and Leyla Brooke (Neighbourhood Engagement Officer) were welcomed to the meeting to provide an update regarding the Council’s Public Health response to the pandemic. Members were reminded that given the rapid pace of change during the pandemic, the information provided was as up to date as possible.
The information provided covered a wide range of work undertaken across the Council together with a summary of actions and progress in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members were informed that specific questions on areas of work will be taken back to the appropriate lead for further detail, if appropriate.
It was reported that currently working age adults aged 50 and above have the highest rate There is a higher prevalence of the new variant. Coronavirus appears to favour cold weather. There has been a rise of transmissions despite being in a lockdown. It is not possible to provide ward specific data but public health colleagues are happy to speak to individual ward members about ward issues. No specific trends are evident and Members were urged to continue to follow the Government guidance of 'hands, face, space', stay at home as much as possible and the importance of fresh air.
There are currently 16 Covid Marshalls who work closely with the Police, Regulatory Services and Safer Neighbourhood Service and carry out daily monitoring rounds across the borough in areas of concern, particularly of licensed premises where there have been instances of breaching of guidelines. There have been concerns around increased footfall and traffic, with reports of people travelling to parks, open spaces and coffee shops to meet with people from other households. Specific hotspots have been targeted. Spot checks take place in all supermarkets across the Borough. Work is being undertaken to understand non-compliance and non-engagement, with a campaign planned from 26th February to raise awareness. Support to vulnerable people such as homeless, substance misuse and traveller communities etc is also taking place. The Test and Trace service and support provided appears to be working very well.
Up to date information regarding symptomatic and asymptomatic testing is available on the BMBC website under mobile testing. There is a lot of capacity to do the testing and 7 positive asymptomatic cases have been picked up to date. Schools and early years settings have access to testing.
The local NHS in Barnsley is leading on the vaccination rollout. It is anticipated that 25,000 vaccinations will have been delivered by mid-February in priority order. Vulnerable people who are unable to travel will be identified by their GP and will have local vaccinations. NHS and Social Care staff are being vaccinated due to their key worker status. People need to be encouraged to continue to follow the guidance once vaccinated. Members were advised to contact Emma White (Public Health Principal) regarding any concerns around vaccination.
Members were concerned that infection levels in some Barnsley wards are continuing to rise when compared to national rates and that there has been a 31% increase in cases in Barnsley Hospital admissions over the last 7 days. The possibility of asymptomatic mass community testing for hotspots was discussed and that this could potentially be publicised over social media etc. This issue will be raised at the regular Sitrep meetings and with Hannah Bailey who is leading on Covid communications campaigns.
Individuals who may not have the main symptoms of Covid but are feeling unwell in other ways should be encouraged to attend testing, dependent on the capacity of the centre. This can be booked online through the NHS or BMBC website.
Leyla Brooke introduced herself and updated Members with the work of the 6 Neighbourhood Engagement Officers (NEOs). The NEOs work closely with the 16 Covid Marshalls (who work in pairs) and feed in to response coordination alongside South Yorkshire Police. It was explained that the NEO role is about support and guidance, not enforcement. Duties include provision of guidance and support to licensed premises; Gym visits to check Covid compliance; business support; social intelligence gathering and follow up; support with food provision for those in isolation who have tested positive and supermarket visits.
RESOLVED that:
(i) The update be noted, and Lucy and Leyla be thanked for their attendance and contribution;
(ii) That members continue to share the importance of continuing to follow guidance;
(iii) Any non-compliance concerns should be sent to the Public Health inbox or Covid Marshalls alerted;
(iv) Any specific questions on areas of work will be taken back to the appropriate lead for further detail; and
(v) Members should contact Emma White (Public Health Principal) regarding any concerns around vaccination.