Agenda and minutes
Venue: Virtual Zoom Meeting. View directions
Contact: Gordon Oliver
Media
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(The Chairman was unable to join the Zoom call. The Vice Chairman acted as Chairman.) |
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Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2021 were approved as a true and correct record. |
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Declarations of interest PDF 299 KB Minutes: No declarations of interest were made. |
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Education service update PDF 298 KB Minutes: Mark Lewis presented the Covid-19 Education Service Update, noting that it was a positive, but busy start to the term. · 513 cases had been reported from the beginning of term, up to the previous week. · The biggest cause of these cases were from secondary schools, with primary schools accounting for 27%. · Schools dealt with cases professionally and were aware of guidance, and were able to manage the number of causes and implement risk assessments. A number of enquiries had been directed. · Number of cases was likely to rise over the next few days as information came up. Matthew Pearce commended Mark Lewis’ work, and noted that schools were appreciative of the work that had been undertaken. |
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Covid-19 situational report PDF 300 KB Minutes: Matthew Pearce gave an update on Covid-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths within the district.
· Since March 2020, West Berkshire’s mortality rate had raised by 16%, numbering 288 additional deaths. The Vice Chairman noted that the Reading Festival could not be pointed to as a reason for the sudden rise in cases, due to attendees being from all over the country. Councillor Steve Masters noted that it was reassuring that rates were significantly lower, and asked what could be done to ensure people were not too complacent. Matthew Pearce responded that a rage of measures had been put in place, and national guidance was being followed. The Council recently published a Winter Plan, and the flu vaccine was being planned. Matthew Pearce noted that it was difficult to model, but would increase around Christmas due to indoor socialising.
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(The Chairman was able to join the call and took over as Chairman.) |
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Vaccination programme update PDF 298 KB Minutes: Katie Summers presented the Covid-19 vaccine programme update.
· 90.1% of Phase 1 and 65.9% of Phase 2 had been fully vaccinated, and 64.7% of 16-17 year olds within Phase 2 had been vaccinated. Andy Sharp asked whether there would be an arrangement for booster vaccinations for staff in care homes. Katie Summers responded that practices within care homes will have the option to vaccinate care staff, but it will be down to the individual PCN. There will not be a similar arrangement as with the initial vaccination programme due to the workload. Andy Sharp asked what the arrangement was for vaccination within care homes not under a PCN. Katie Summers responded that there was an arrangement underway. The Chairman asked if there was a different programme for care home residents and workers. Katie Summers responded that GPs all have an advanced service contract to deliver vaccinations for residents. Health and social care workers were vaccinated under the general vaccination programme. The Chairman noted that everybody in the building was vaccinated without distinction, and asked whether there was a difference. Katie Summers responded that it was, and it was a cause for concern. Virginia Garnett presented an update on the expansion of the vaccination programme to 12-15 year olds.
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Public Protection Partnership update PDF 298 KB Minutes: Sean Murphy presented an update on the Public Protection Partnership.
· New guidance on ventilation had been issued and communicated to workplaces. Extension of the licensing relaxations on off sales and numbers of Temporary Event Notices. Councillor Steve Masters asked about the regular testing of staff, and asked whether there had been feedback that people were diligently registering their tests, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. Matthew Pearce responded that Communities United and HealthWatch were undertaking direct action on testing in difficult to reach communities, but feedback was difficult to ascertain. The Chairman noted that the 119 emergency number was available in over 200 languages. |
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Communications update PDF 298 KB Minutes: Martin Dunscombe provided a verbal update on Covid-related communications.
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Future meetings and agenda items PDF 297 KB Minutes: Matthew Pearce and Meradin Peachey stated the view that Local Outbreak Engagement Board be stood down based on the Revised Terms of Reference, and asked whether responsibilities be moved to Health and Wellbeing in the interim. Additionally, local decision making was best informed with clear guidance, and while there was a need for continued scrutiny and regular updates, the Board was unnecessary. The Chairman noted that Health and Wellbeing was on 30th September, and could include a brief Covid Update. The Chairman suggested that the next meeting, on 4th October be pencilled in, and the decision be made closer to the time. Councillor Steve Masters agreed, noting the fluctuating situation. Councillor Andy Moore additionally agreed, noting his position as an observer. |
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Minutes: None. |