Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2021.

RESOLVED:

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2021 be confirmed.

To invite Members to declare any interest they might have in the matters on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were made at this stage.

Questions may be asked without notice but to guarantee a full reply at the meeting, a question must be put including the name and address of the questioner by delivery in writing or by electronic mail to Democratic Services at democratic.services@iow.gov.uk, no later than two clear working days before the start of the meeting. Therefore the deadline for written questions will be Friday, 29 October 2021.

No public questions were received.

IOW Public Health Data

The Director of Public Health (DPH) delivered a presentation which provided an overview of the data related to Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations. It was stressed that while the vaccination programme had broken the link between infections and hospitalisations, measures such as hands-face-space were still very important in keeping the community safe.

It was advised that there was a higher rate of cases seen among 10 to 14-year-olds, which was likely due to mixing in schools. It was advised that although children overall weren’t becoming seriously ill, their parents and grandparents may be more at risk. Infections in 12–15-year-olds would also delay the rollout of the vaccination programme in that group due to the 28-day waiting period following a positive test.

Questions were raised regarding the recent half-term and the impact this may have on infection rates. It was advised that data would be available shortly, and the impact was likely to be positive due to less household-mixing than during term-time. It was confirmed that targeted support was available to schools to manage outbreaks. Discussion took place regarding the vaccination programme roll-out for 12 to 15-year-olds and it’s availability in local schools.

Discussion took place regarding the increasing cases in over-60’s, and the Board sought reassurance that the hospital had capacity ahead of the winter period. In managing system-wide pressures it was emphasised that individuals should utilise their GPs and call 111 where possible.

Questions were raised in relation to hospitalisations. It was confirmed that nationally it has been shown that the majority of those in hospital with Covid-19 were not fully vaccinated. It was noted that some individuals were be admitted to hospital for unrelated reasons and were subsequently testing positive upon arrival.

Concerns were raised around the impact of the upcoming vaccination mandate on care staff. It was confirmed that the workforce risk was being monitored closely with colleagues in Adult Social Care.

To receive an update from the Director of Public Health.

This item had been covered in the previous item.

To receive an update from the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Strategy Officer.

The Assistant Chief Executive reported on communications activity. It was confirmed that the communications and engagement strategy for autumn and winter would set out how people could protect themselves and others with an emphasis on clear guidance and communication.

Key objectives were around sharing facts and information to enable people to make informed choices, and reemphasising good behaviours such as hands-face-space and general hygiene practises during the winter period. 

Targeted work was underway to assist in breaking the chain of transmission, including encouraging people to take lateral flow tests regularly. Activity would be targeted in areas with higher case-rates to prevent further spread of infection.

Discussion took place regarding the use of face coverings on cross-Solent travel journeys and how the Council could work with ferry operators to support them in promoting covid-safe behaviours.

To guarantee a reply to a question, a question  must be submitted in writing or by electronic mail to democratic.services@iow.gov.uk no later than 12 noon on Monday, 1 November 2021. A question may be asked at the meeting without prior notice but in these circumstances there is no guarantee that a full reply will be given at the meeting.

No members’ questions were received.