Minutes:
The Director of Regeneration advised the Board how challenging the COVID-19 pandemic recovery had been. Due to lower rates of infection on the Island work had started to navigate through the recovery stage of the plan . There was three key points to the plan in line with the current COVID-19 situation they were:
• Community recovery
• Economic recovery
• Impacts on place
It was explained that the board had been given the task to oversee and develop the recovery plan. The chair of the Island Economic Board had been cop-opted for this purpose. The Director of Public Health supported the inclusion of economic recovery in the role of the Health and Wellbeing Board.
The Board questioned if tourists visiting the Island towards the end of the season had affected our infection rate. The board was advised that it was too early to tell exactly how the influx of tourists had impacted.
The importance of the environment on the wellbeing of Island residents was acknowledged by the Board and concern was raised that it was not utilised as much as it could be to benefit resident’s mental wellbeing. Community Action continued to be operational and provided support for the vulnerable within the Island community.
The Mental Health Plan was discussed, and the Board were advised how the Mental Health Teams were developing specific projects such as walking groups to help people’s mental health. The success of the summer season was a testament to all residents, health sector, community sector, public sector, business sector who had been reinforcing the message of hands face and space. The Board heard how the Isle of Wight adapted very well and hoped this would continue.
The Strategic Manager of One Public Service explained to the Board how we had moved from Crisis Response to looking at sustainability. The ‘what if’ scenarios had been planned for such as a second outbreak and stepping the provision back up. There was Government funding awarded from DEFRA – crisis fund. Preparations were being made should high risk people need to ‘shield’ again and the Government framework for this had now been received. The Council now had in place a ‘self-isolation tool kit’ online that was being promoted. A self isolation support line was also going live soon. A local test and trace system was also being worked on.
The Board were advised by the IW NHS Trust Chief Executive that although there had been an increase in activity across the NHS, it has not been overwhelmed. The ‘R’ rate was low because of lockdown and the risk was moved to medium after the summer tourism period. There had still been a relatively low number of cases on the lsle of Wight however it was important not to become complacent. Data showed that any intervention took two weeks to have any effect. It was stressed to the Board the importance of remembering to keep socially distanced, wear a face covering and be vigilant with hand washing to prevent the rise of infection both locally and nationally.
RESOLVED:
THAT the Recovery Plan is noted.