Agenda item

Covid-19 Outbreak Update and Plan

To consider and note the update on the Covid-19 outbreak and response.

Minutes:

Dr Will Maimaris, Interim Director of Public Health, introduced the item which provided an update on the Covid-19 outbreak and plan. He noted that there had been some updates in data since the agenda pack was produced and that he would highlight the current position in terms of local data, local key areas of work, and the national position.

 

A graph showing the daily number of confirmed Covid-19 cases was displayed. It was noted that, initially, testing was only carried out in hospitals, and there was no data about the number of community cases. From the end of May to the beginning of August, there were relatively few confirmed cases following a period of lockdown. It was explained that, since August, there had been a steady increase and there were currently about 50 new cases per day in Haringey. A key metric was the rate of new cases per week per 100,000 people and the current rate in Haringey was about 140; this was in line with the London average but lower than some urban areas in the country. It was added that there had been a recent plateau of cases. It was noted that these patterns were reflected in local hospitals.

 

The Interim Director of Public Health also reported on the demographics of those testing positive for Covid-19. It was explained that, in August and September, there had been a significant rise in cases amongst younger, working age people and students. It was noted that there had been a slight rise in cases amongst older people recently. Across the borough, the distribution of cases was quite broad, although there had been some increases in communities where there was a high household density. In relation to ethnic groups, it was known that there had been a disproportionate impact on minority ethnic groups in the first wave of the pandemic in terms of hospital admissions and deaths. However, in the latest testing data, the number of positive cases across ethnicities was reflective of the general population in Haringey. It was added that this was being closely monitored.

 

It was explained that the detail of actions taken in relation to the pandemic, and specifically the local Outbreak Management Plan, was set out in the report. It was highlighted that local testing sites had been set up at the Irish Centre and Alexandra Palace and potential testing sites in other areas of the borough were being considered. It was explained that there had been lots of communications during the pandemic and that, notably, there had been good partnership work with Healthwatch, the Bridge Renewal Trust, and Mind. In relation to schools, it was noted that there had been support for teachers and pupils; most schools had been open with most students attending, although approximately a third of schools had been subject to temporary school or class closures.

 

It was noted that a number of lessons had been learnt from the first wave of the pandemic, particularly in relation to care homes. Staff and residents were now regularly tested, there were good supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and there were good infection control measures in place. As a result, there had been no significant outbreaks in care homes in the second wave of the pandemic.

 

It was acknowledged that England was moving into a national lockdown on 5 November 2020 and that there were higher numbers of cases in the community. However, it was noted that London was not experiencing as many cases as some urban areas and was not experiencing significant excess deaths. It was highlighted that, in this second lockdown period, it would be important to make sure that people felt safe to access other healthcare services where needed. It was also added that the impact of another lockdown period raised concerns in relation to the economy, housing, mental wellbeing, and isolated and shielding people; these would be critical issues in the response to the pandemic going forward.

 

It was noted that this report was provided for information and to assure the Health and Wellbeing Board that there was a robust, local response. It was commented that this was also dependent on the national infrastructure for testing and support around behavioural measures and interventions. It was also commented that the local response would be relevant for some time and that there would, most likely, be increased restrictions until Spring 2021.

 

Cllr Mark Blake expressed thanks for the report and for the honest and realistic message that the pandemic would not be resolved by December. It was noted that there had been some reports that a vaccine would be available by December and it was enquired whether this was correct. The Interim Director of Public Health explained that the vaccine was still being developed and there was no confirmed timeline. However, it was noted that the Council was working with NHS colleagues to prepare arrangements so that a vaccine could be rolled out when available.

 

Josephine Sauvage, NCL CCG Chair, stated that the preparatory work was due to be finalised by December but highlighted that the vaccine was still being developed. It was added that there were significant logistical considerations, including developing processes to ensure that the correct vaccine was given consistently, offering various sites for administering vaccines, and prioritising those in most need. Dr Peter Christian, NCL CCG Board Member, added that the campaign for flu vaccines was also underway to avoid a coinciding flu epidemic and Covid-19 surge. It was noted that there were some difficulties in reaching the target population for the flu vaccines; for example, it was not understood by all that, although children did not appear to spread Covid-19, they were known to be super-spreaders of flu.

 

Cllr Mark Blake noted that some additional funding had been received to fund Covid Marshals who would assist with enforcement. It was commented that the amount received was much less than expected but it was hoped to recruit people from local communities to galvanise proper engagement around the restrictions. The Interim Director of Public Health noted that the Council would be working with community organisations to mobilise the offer and to ensure that it was owned by communities.

 

Geoffrey Ocen, Bridge Renewal Trust, stated that there was a network of community organisations, collectively called Protect, that had been involved in communicating messages, including for contact tracing, to keep the community safe. It was added that there was an effort to collate the work undertaken within the voluntary sector to support more vulnerable people and to link this to the Council; there was short term funding available and it would be useful to co-ordinate. It was noted that, in relation to Covid Marshals, the key would be to engage with communities in terms of education, as well as enforcement. It was added that Covid Engagement Support or Covid Community Support might be better terms.

 

The Chair thanked officers for the update and noted that it was encouraging to see the amount of work that was being undertaken. The Interim Director of Public Health noted that a multiple partnership approach had been crucial in tackling Covid-19 and this would be important for responding to the impact of the pandemic for the months and years to come.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the Covid-19 outbreak update and plan.

Supporting documents: