Hampshire County Council Hampshire Local Outbreak Engagement Board Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillors Humby and House.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed

No requests to make a deputation had been received.

The Chairman had no announcements on this occasion.

The Board received an update from the Director of Public Health setting out the current position in terms of infection rates and hospitalisations within Hampshire. Differences between areas of the County and between demographic groups were highlighted and it was noted that the highest rates of infection were amongst younger people. Positive progress on the roll-out of the vaccine was recognised and the Board discussed how information about its roll-out to children over 12 could be promoted.

The position on both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing was set out and the Board discussed the challenge that winter and the usual additional pressures on the health system would bring. It was confirmed that preparations were in place should the government introduce “plan B”.  

It was resolved to note the update.

On this occasion the actions of the Director of Public Health were incorporated into the Outbreak Control Position Report.

The Board received and noted the Local Outbreak Management Plan.

The Board received an update on communication activity relating to the pandemic, in particular the social media campaigns. The difficulty of keeping the messaging fresh was recognised and the Board agreed that the focus should be on the key points in order that people had the information needed to make good choices for the benefit of the whole community. Members discussed the importance of engaging with all demographic groups to achieve a wide spread and it was noted that partners such as the Fire and Rescue Service could assist with this.

It was resolved to note the communications update.