The Committee will receive a Covid 19 Update from Julia Burrows (Director of Public Health) and Shokat Lal (Executive Director Core Services).
Minutes:
The Committee received a Covid 19 update from Julia Burrows (Director of Public Health) who made reference to the following:
· Current Covid levels within the Borough
o whilst levels were still high, they were gradually reducing, there was, however, no room for complacency.
o The over 60’s had been a problem area but it was pleasing to see that these were now reducing
o There were now slightly less patients in hospital, but the health services were still under intense pressure
· Outbreaks
o There had not been many recent outbreaks in schools or within work places
o There had been 9 outbreaks within Care Homes recently
o Residents had mostly been double vaccinated so the results of the outbreaks were not seen to be as intense as they had been in the past
· Vaccinations
o The number of people being vaccinated was progressing well, but the number not vaccinated within the borough was still around 40,000 and consideration was being given to how this matter could be addressed
o The uptake was higher than the national average which was pleasing and was a credit to all partners and residents alike
· Variants - Barnsley was largely being impacted by the Delta variant however there were a small number of a new Delta sub variant cases, but this was not currently a major concern
In the ensuing discussion, reference was made to the following:
· Investigations were progressing to try to encourage vaccine take up and information was provided about the various initiatives introduced
· Whilst a number of people under the age of 60 had been double vaccinated they were still catching Covid, however, the symptoms were far less that had they not been vaccinated. The effectiveness of the vaccine had waned, and this was the reason for the booster campaign. An explanation was provided as to why certain vaccines waned over time
· It was acknowledged that some of the publicity surrounding Covid and vaccination was sending out ‘mixed messages’ and this was causing difficulties. Comments from members of the Committee about this were noted
· Whilst the vaccination programme was largely effective for 90% of the population, people still needed to be careful and act responsibly
RESOLVED that the report be noted, and Julia Burrows (Director of Public Health) be thanked for attending the meeting and for answering Members questions.