Issue - meetings

Mandip Bilkhu provided an overview of the work of the communications team in relation to Covid-19:

• Covid-19 newsletter was going out weekly
• Hub bulletin was sent out every 2 weeks
• Messaging on flu/ covid-19 vaccines was on-going and was being developed as we learn more about the vaccine
• Contact tracing messaging had been sent out
• The covid-19 leaflet had been sent out to residents, including in 4 different languages
• She noted that the communications team were working on some campaigns such as shopping locally when the lockdown had finished
• Additional restriction grants information had been sent out to local businesses
• She noted that there had been a big increase in views to the Berkshire public health website after LOEB meetings and social media messaging
• Mass testing and mass vaccination messages were being devised

Councillor Bridgman noted that updated care-home visitation guidance had been published on the Council website.

Councillor Doherty shared her thanks to Mandip and the communications team on their work with the leaflet that had been sent to residents.

Mandip Bilkhu provided an overview of the work of the communications team in relation to Covid-19:

• She noted that the new national restrictions had changed the focus
• Updated social media posts, hub bulletin, website, answering queries and newsletters in line with the new guidelines
• Business grant support press release outlining how they can access help
• Covid-19 residents’ newsletter sent out on 09 November. She also encouraged residents to sign up to the newsletter.
• Local contact tracing information launch via press release, social media, newsletters and the website
• Social media posts about the new Berkshire Public Health dashboard
• Messaging on the importance of getting flu jabs
• Website on the new contact tracing in West Berkshire
• Leaflet out to households on the 23^rd of November
• Service update to the website on the Covid-19 page, helping residents to understand what had changed
• Radio messaging on the new restrictions was being arranged
• Facebook live Q&A with the Leader to answer any Covid-19 questions

Councillor Vickers noted that she would like to see targeted messaging for the elderly population and whether this could be done and for communal areas in accommodation.

Councillor Doherty stated that the leaflet being sent to residents had a number of contact lines for residents, both email and phone to ask any Covid-19 related questions.

Mandip Bilkhu noted that those living on the borders of West Berkshire would also receive contact details of neighbouring authorities. 

Councillor Vickers asked if there had been any feedback from previous leaflets.

Councillor Doherty stated that the resident’s survey had outlined a positive response to the previous leaflet.