To receive a verbal update on the Covid-19 pandemic.
Minutes:
Dr Will Maimaris, Interim Director of Public Health, introduced the item which provided an update on Covid-19. It was explained that the trend in Haringey was largely in line with London; there had been a rapid acceleration in the number of Covid-19 cases in December 2020. There were currently over 1,000 cases per week per 100,000 people, which was a significant increase from previous months. It was noted that there was extreme pressure on the local NHS and that the number of people in North Middlesex and Whittington Hospitals had exceeded the number from the first peak of Covid-19 in March 2020. It was commented that, up until late November 2020, there had been no excess deaths compared to the previous year. However, in late December 2020, there had been a noticeable increase in the number of deaths, with three to four deaths per day in Haringey.
In terms of demographics affected by Covid-19, it was noted that there was broad community transmission in December 2020 affecting all communities and all ages fairly equally. It was commented that a high case rate persisted in the east of the borough, particularly in working age adults, and that the lowest case rates were for children aged four years and under. In relation to people who were seriously unwell and who were at greater risk of dying in hospital, some specific data gathering was currently underway. There was some informal evidence which suggested that this was affecting minority ethnic populations, a younger demographic, and those who were overweight more significantly. The Interim Director of Public Health explained that the increased restrictions in the form of a national lockdown were having an impact but that, due to the delayed impact of the virus, hospital pressures would continue for several weeks after case rates began to reduce.
The Interim Director of Public Health highlighted that the key measure which would be effective in reducing the number of cases was the message to stay at home. It was noted that the second most effective intervention, particularly in the medium and long term, was the Covid-19 vaccination programme. It would be important to encourage all of the community to get a vaccination but it was highlighted that there was no evidence that people who had received the vaccination stopped transmitting the virus; as such, anyone who had been vaccinated would still need to comply with the restrictions for the next few months. It was added that there were asymptomatic testing sites in Haringey which provided test results within one hour; so far, these tests had identified 100 people who were carrying the virus but did not have symptoms and this was important in reducing the spread of the virus.
Dr Peter Christian, NCL CCG Board Member, highlighted the importance of informing everyone that those who had been vaccinated were still required to follow social distancing rules. In relation to the longer term preparations, it was enquired whether there were any plans to implement vaccine ‘passports’ so that people could demonstrate that they had been vaccinated. The Interim Director of Public Health explained that there was no information about this currently but that there were likely to be amended travel restrictions at some point later in the year.
Dr Richard Gourlay, Director of Strategic Development at North Middlesex Hospital, noted that pressures had been significant and intensive care and critical care had been expanded significantly to deal with the number of patients. It was added that this was very challenging for staff and staffing and hospitals had been required to work together in order to effectively care for patients.
The Health and Wellbeing Board extended thanks to all health and care staff who were working in extremely challenging situations.
RESOLVED
To note the Covid-19 update.