Agenda item

The Panel will receive an update from the Director of Public Health.

Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health addressed the Panel, a summary is set out below.

Covid-19

Most services within Public Health working well post lockdown, with adaptions in place.

B&NES has the 6^th lowest overall number of cases within the UK. We had one small outbreak within the Somer Valley recently where the right thing to do was to close some of the Care Homes.

The low figures should be seen as a real credit to the work we have carried out locally.

A second wave of increased cases is highly likely due to schools and universities returning as planned and with the seasonal time of the year.

There is a worry with regard to generational spread of the virus.

We don’t necessarily know how cases will translate to severe illnesses and deaths, and whether it will happen as in the first wave, so we must differentiate them and follow all indicators closely.

Prevention is obviously still key – Social distancing, washing of hands regularly and wearing of face masks.

Vaccine not likely until the middle of next year. 

Demand for testing is great. If you do not have recognised symptoms you really shouldn’t go for a test. If you do have symptoms and can’t get a test you should self-isolate.

The NHS is busy again with normal activity.

Important to vaccinate against flu – there will be an assumption that people have Covid-19 over the flu and showing signs of a fever.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if there were sufficient resources and testing sites locally and were timely results being given for those that have been tested.

Dr Laurence replied that not all sites were being used to capacity due to the problems with securing an appointment. He said that a walk-in site may be available in the near future. He added that there should now be a cap of 75 miles in place for being sent for a test. With regard to results he said that he was aware that labs locally are short staffed.

Kevin Burnett asked what scope he has in his role to take additional actions, if required locally.

Dr Laurence replied that he has a small amount of extra capacity available that can provide Care Homes with additional testing and send Environmental Health Officers to inspect local businesses if necessary.

Councillor Andrew Wait asked if it was possible that the virus could be mutating as the increase in cases recently was not resulting in the equivalent number of deaths.

Dr Laurence replied that the increase in cases was mainly in the age groups of 20-30 years old, 30-40 years old and teens and that they were in most cases more able to combat the virus. He said that there was a slight possibility that the virus was becoming less dangerous per case.

Councillor Ruth Malloy asked what measures are in place to make sure that restaurants, pubs and cafes are taking the contact details of customers to make sure that effective tracing can take place.

Dr Laurence replied that Environmental Health Officers have been visiting premises to check they have appropriate processes in place. He added that if officers feel there is a risk there are powers that can be used. He said that the tracing system was complex but felt that it was working well within Public Health England. He stated that the system also relies on people doing the right thing when contacted.

Kevin Burnett asked if School Leaders should lobby the Government with regard to available testing for teachers and school staff.

Dr Laurence replied that they could do so through him or directly and said that in relation to schools it would be important to be specific about what requests are being made.

The Chairman thanked Dr Laurence for his update on behalf of the Panel.