Agenda item

The Board considered a presentation from Matt Pearce (Agenda Item 4) on the Covid-19 Situational Report. Key points from the presentation included:

·         Infection rates were falling across Berkshire.

·         The latest figures showed around 1,000 cases per 100,000 population in West Berkshire.

·         The testing positivity rate was 16% - however this figure needed to be treated with caution, since some people may not have registered their Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test results.

·         There had been a slight increase in cases amongst residents aged 60+.

·         There had been 1,749 cases for the population as a whole in the last 7 days.

·         The downward trend was reflected in regional and national figures.

·         Cases amongst 5-9 years olds peaked around the time of the last LOEB meeting and had fallen sharply since.

·         There had been some slight increases in case amongst 15-19 year olds and those aged 60+.

·         It was suggested that there may be some reinfections showing in the data. However, early studies suggested that Omicron immunity was strong, with few reinfections.

·         In terms of hospital admissions, those who were seriously ill with Covid were mostly unvaccinated or part-vaccinated.

·         There were 77 Covid patients in Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) on 8 December.

·         17 Covid patients were admitted to RBH in the week ending 6 February.

·         1 patient was on mechanical ventilation as of 8 February.

·         There had been 3 Covid related deaths recorded in the last week, with 297 since the start of the pandemic.

·         There had been a 16% increase in all-cause mortality compared to the 5 year average – equivalent to 368 additional deaths.

·         The Government was expected to set out a long-term strategy for living safely with Covid, with remaining restrictions expected to be lifted.

·         The virus would become endemic, which meant that it would continue to circulate, because it was too difficult to eradicate.

·         Future surges would occur and plans were needed to deal with these.

·         Precautions were still needed, including vaccination, ventilation of enclosed spaces, use of face coverings, regular hand washing and testing.

·         Long Covid remained a concern.

·         New variants would continue to emerge and local systems needed to be ready to step up.

·         There was a need to tackle inequalities and disparities across local communities.

The Chairman indicated that this may be the last time the Board met. He advised that Matt Pearce would be leaving his post in March and wanted to take the opportunity to thank him for his leadership and work during the pandemic.

The Chairman noted that reinfections were now being included in Covid figures, which could increase numbers. However, he noted that people may not be reporting LFD test results, which would serve to suppress numbers. He asked if there was a feel for the balance of these two factors. Matt Pearce concluded that it was difficult to work out the balance. Positive tests 90+ days after the first positive test were now classified as reinfections. He did not think this change in reporting had had a significant impact on figures. However, the lack of reporting of test results would have an impact, but it was difficult to quantify this. He noted that the ONS survey was a good benchmark and this was showing a decrease in cases.

The Chairman also observed that hospitalisations due to Covid were mostly affecting unvaccinated people. He noted that not all deaths of people who had tested positive for Covid in the preceding 28 days were attributable to Covid. Matt Pearce indicated that it was difficult to be clear about the reasons for people dying. He observed that Covid could amplify the effects of some chronic conditions. He stressed that death certificates were consulted to understand the primary cause of death.

Tracy Daszkiewicz confirmed that little was known about the impact of Covid on other conditions and that further research was needed.

Matt Pearce suggested that the all-cause mortality graph was useful to understand the impacts of Covid.

Councillor Martha Vickers asked how messages would be communicated about living with Covid and whether lessons could be learned from other countries such as Japan where people had accepted that additional precautions were needed. Also, she asked if testing kits would remain free or if a charge would be introduced.

Matt Pearce indicated that a local plan would be prepared, taking account of the Government’s long-term strategy. He noted that some people would be nervous about mixing with others again and they needed to be supported and reassured. He stressed the need for people to be considerate of others. With regards to testing, much was dependent on the national testing strategy. He expected testing to be stood down, but had no information as to whether it would remain free of charge.

Councillor Vickers noted that there were mixed messages coming from the health service and the government and asked what West Berkshire Council would encourage people to do.

Matt Pearce indicated that nothing would be mandated, so it was up to individuals to decide for themselves what precautions they should take. He acknowledged the mixed messages, but felt that a ‘new normal’ was needed with additional precautions.