Minutes:
The Director of Public Health (DPH) shared a presentation in regard to the latest data and developments. The Board were advised the information was sensitive and was used in managing the pandemic.
It was noted 106 new cases had been registered in the past seven days, which gave the Island a total of 770 cases. The number of cases and the overall rate was increasing, although the levels remained well behind the national rates for England. The Board were advised the estimated positivity rate was 2.6 per cent and that this had been increasing. The weekly case rate for the Isle of Wight was 74.8 per 100,000 population, with other areas having much higher numbers, although all were going in an upwards direction.
In regard to hospitalisations, the Board acknowledged this had increased in October and from September there had been an increase countrywide. There had also been a slight increase in the use of ventilation beds across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but not as much as previously. The number of deaths were currently below the seasonal average for all causes.
The DPH provided an update on testing, it being stated there was a number of pillars. Pillar one was those taking place in hospitals and by Public Health England (PHE). Pillar two was the wider community testing, with the Island testing facility only on the Newclose site. Pillar three related to work regarding antibodies, which would allow for a greater understanding on where the infection was spreading and how it might be managed in the long term. Pillar four was national surveillance, which offered a representative sample of the whole of the UK to track the infection. Care homes were undergoing weekly programmes and every school was managing well, with sample test kits to use if necessary. It was stated they were being used very effectively.
The DPH updated the Board on a number of pilot programmes and drew particular attention to the vaccination programme, from which there had been some positive news. It was likely a small-scale programme would be in place from December, although it would not be in general circulation for some months. The DPH advised it therefore remained important to continue with social distancing. Two large scale trials were nearing completion however, they were not as yet licensed. A watching brief was being maintained.
The Board were advised that when any vaccine was deemed safe to roll out, it would be done through a mass vaccination programme across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The NHS were leading on that programme, with it starting small in December and scaling up from January 2021 over the coming year.
The Deputy Leader referred to the 97 per cent negative rate of positivity and questioned if that figure was derived from all four testing regimes. He also asked that if more testing was being undertaken, might we expect that negative figure to increase. In addition, the DPH was asked to provide an update on the increase in figures for particular age groups, such as 21 plus.
In response the DPH confirmed the positivity number covered all tests taking place and he made particular effort to highlight that if residents wished to undertake a test there was easy access, although it was about testing the right people. It was noted some of the tests might be suitable on asymptomatic individuals in certain situations.
With regard to age groups, the virus was being seen more in younger age people, but it then spread through the community, meaning older people then contracted the virus. The north west was seeing younger cases reducing but it was increasing in older age groups. By comparison, on the Island cases were still in the main amongst younger age groups, but those I the older age groups were rising.
In answer to a further question, the DPH confirmed that he reviewed many types of data in order to gauge the difference in age groups. He confirmed it was a relatively good picture at present but there was a need to understand the positivity rates and what the impact was.
The Board focussed on the issue of vaccinations, and the Chief Executive (CX) advised it may be helpful to consider the current environment the council was working within and the current challenges to be considered over the next six weeks. He provided an example; how might we step up the arrangements for mass vaccinations and mass testing.
He also highlighted the need to focus on what the issues would be for the whole community when the current national lockdown ends. It was likely the country would return to a tiered structure and it was hoped the results of the lockdown would mean the Island would return to Tier 1. It was noted there was no clear timing for vaccinating the whole community at present.
The Board was told that non pharmaceutical interventions took about two weeks, which would determine the earliest the impact of the latest lockdown could be assessed. The DPH also confirmed the preparations at the hospital were going well and had worked well during the first wave of the virus. They were currently looking at data to ensure they were prepared to take any action required to manage an increase in cases.
Members of the Board were concerned about the knock-on effect for those not receiving non-Covid-19 treatments and asked if there had been any consideration for missed cancer treatments. The DPH confirmed one of the differences with the second wave had been the NHS not shutting down other services. Very careful monitoring was being undertaken to ensure the NHS maintained ‘business as usual’ as much as possible.
The Board noted the vaccination programme was being led by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the primary care sector, so GPs would be working with their patient lists to deliver to their patients on the Island. There was a brief discussion regarding the efficacy of the vaccine and mutation possibilities.
In closing the Assistant Chief Executive (ACX) provided assurance the Island Tactical Coordination Group (ITCG) met weekly and was a multi-agency group. Part of their responsibility was to have a regular update from all members regarding arrangements and pressures on system as either green, amber or red. Up to the current date all had reported green and any difficulties being experienced on the Island would be highlighted through this group.