Agenda item

(To receive a verbal update from Derek Ward, Director of Public Health on the current Covid-19 position in Lincolnshire)

The Chairman invited Derek Ward, Director of Public Health, to provide an update on the current Covid-19 position in Lincolnshire. 

The Board was advised that there had been a steady rise in the rate of Covid-19 cases through October to mid-November 2020, and that there had been a lot of variation across the districts.

However, since 20 November, there had been a slow but steady reduction in the rates of infection across the county; again there was some variance at district level.  The Board was advised that the rate of infection had increased in Boston; and that this was as a result of two significant care home outbreaks; and a significant school outbreak.

The Board was advised that once out of lockdown, the whole of the county would be placed in tier level three.  The Government was then due to review the tiering system again on 16 December 2020.

It was reported that Lincolnshire County Council Public Health were working with City of Lincoln Council and the Universities to arrange testing for students wishing to return home.  It was highlighted that the testing would pick up those students who did not have any symptoms. It was also highlighted further that this would increase the number of positive cases in Lincoln, testing those asymptomatic. 

The Board noted that the NHS was also instigating a similar model for NHS staff, to identify any staff who were Covid-19 positive, but were not showing any symptoms.

The Chief Executive of Lincolnshire CCG advised that all services in the health and care sector were under strain; and that the NHS was in a very challenging position currently.  The Board noted that integrated working across all agencies during the pandemic had been exceptional as had the support received from the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum.

It was highlighted that the NHS were keen to stress that even in a pandemic, they were open for the people of Lincolnshire.

The Board noted that the flu vaccination uptake in Lincolnshire was the highest in the East Midlands area, and praise was extended to all those involved in the flu vaccination campaign.  It was noted further that arrangements were being made in readiness for the Covid-19 vaccines, once approved.

During discussion, the Board raised the following points:

·       Concern was expressed regarding the availability of flu vaccines along the coast.  The Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire CCG advised that he was aware of some issues, but felt these had been rectified as a delivery of flu vaccines had been received in the county during the previous week.  Reassurance was given that the matter would be followed up;

·       Families being unable to visit relatives in care homes, and whether this would change before Christmas.  The Board was advised that access was the responsibility of the individual care homes;

·       Some discussion was had regarding the proposed tier three and the implications for Lincolnshire as a whole;

·       Underlying mental health issues resulting from the pandemic.  Some members highlighted that extra funding needed to be made available to deal with mental health issues, or a re-organisation of existing resources.  The Board noted that prior to the pandemic Lincolnshire had been successful in securing funding for mental health transformation, and that there had also been commitment at a national level as well to build on the broad range of support provided across the county.  A suggestion was made as to whether more could be done to help those suffering isolation with the assistance of community volunteers;

·       Bed occupancy.  The Board noted that there were significant challenges for the NHS at the moment, as the number of positive in-patient cases had doubled in number, compared to the peak of the first wave.  It was highlighted that there was also concerns regarding staffing levels, as the number of staff testing positive or self-isolating was increasing; 

·       Increasing rates for the City of Lincoln – The Board was advised that the infection rate for the City of Lincoln would increase as a result of the asymptomatic testing of students, but the rate would then drop thereafter.  There was a realisation that any messages communicated needed to be as simple as possible.

The Chairman on behalf of the Board extended thanks to the Director of Public Health for his update.

RESOLVED

          That the update be received.