Minutes:
Chair introduced Dr Latif who presented key information regarding COVID-19. Dr Latif works for UK Health Security Agency.
Dr Latif said that vaccine uptake in the East Midlands was broadly positive, across the East Midlands, uptake was:
· 82%- 1st dose
· 76%- 2nd dose
· 60%- Booster
The Omicron variant has caused disruption and increased case rates nationally, but a slight decline in case rates is now being experienced across the country. Dr Latif noted a most recent rule change which means if you have a positive lateral flow test, you must isolate immediately, rather than take a PCR test.
Dr Latif mentioned that in the Under 19 age group, case rates are not declining, and in the Blaby district, cases remain particularly high.
Dr Latif’s key recommendations were:
· Maintain physical distancing, particularly in crowded spaces
· Wear face masks in indoor settings
· Maintain good hand hygiene.
R Mbedl asked for more local data to be presented. This data can be accessed online.
Dr Latif informed the group of the local Avian Flu outbreak which was also causing a high workload for medical professionals.
J Cloke, on behalf of his work with the Oadby support group, said that he had not heard of a lack of information by the Council to the public on COVID-19 matters. J Cloke mentioned the difficulty was how to get in touch with those who are self-isolating, to be able to offer instant support. J Cloke suggested that an emergency response team who, for instance, have access to a central list of those who are self-isolating, or a greater, collaborative working relationship with pharmacies across the Borough.
Cllr Haq responded by citing the work of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council’s Community Hub, which galvanised a team of volunteers to support those shielding or isolating during the Pandemic.
A Dingley said that OWBC would not be able to share personal details of those isolating, due to GDPR. OWBC have had to delete personal detail of all those supported by the Hub, as directed by Public Health.
Cllr Haq asked Dr Latif if we are moving from a pandemic to an endemic. Dr Latif said that it was hard to say, and that no one has a crystal ball. In response to concerns around availability of lateral flow tests, Dr Latif said that this was being addressed by central bodies, and for individuals to go online to order lateral flow tests.
V Ghadiali asked Dr Latif whether someone is more likely to transmit the virus if they are not vaccinated and whether, on this basis, those unvaccinated should not be permitted to attend social events which feature those who are elderly. Dr Latif responded by saying that those who are not vaccinated are more likely to be ill. Protecting the vulnerable remains a recommendation, although vaccines are not mandatory.
Foqia asked whether Oadby and Wigston Borough Council had a Volunteer Charter or a Volunteer Co-Ordinator position to best support volunteers who contribute to looking after residents across the Borough.
R Levy addressed that a volunteering strategy was being reviewed by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, although the authority does not have a Co-Ordinator.
H Katib corroborated that support for community organisations that work with volunteers would be appreciated. H Katib noted that guidance on health and safety for volunteers was an area of particular focus.
A Dingley assured that support would be offered to organisations working with volunteers, and that COVID-19 had been an issue in achieving this lately.
Action: Further support, guidance and communication to be offered to community organisations working with volunteers, in line with OWBC’s revised volunteering strategy.