Agenda item

The Service Lead Public Health gave a presentation to the Panel, providing an overview of the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in Slough.

The Panel noted the following:

·  The number of daily positive cases in Slough remained above the South East average, with a positivity rate of 26.8.

·  Two vaccination sites had been set up  at Salt Hill Activity Centre and Langley Health Centre. Although uptake had been good, data analysis was being carried out  on the presence of inequalities in uptake.

·  A six week programme for community testing had begun on 12 January 2021. In the two days since the lateral flow testing  had begun, 246 tests had been carried out and 7 positive cases identified.

Panel Members and Councillor Strutton, speaking under Rule 30, raised a number of points in the ensuing discussion, which are summarised as below:

·  A Member asked about the new variant of Covid-19 that had been identified and whether this was more easily transmitted than the original strain. The Panel were informed that the new variant was easily transmitted and although it had initially been identified in the South-East, it had now spread across the country.

·  In response to the number of people in Slough who had been infected and those that had passed away from Covid-19, it was noted that there had been 10,315 cases and 170 deaths. Members were advised that  information was available on the Berkshire Public Health website.  

·  Referring specifically to issues regarding vaccine supply the Service Lead, Public Health stated that the NHS was working to ensure that there was an adequate supply of vaccines.

·  Concern was expressed relating to the impact Covid-19 had had upon the delivery of mental health services, with aspects of the service being offered online, when individuals often required or would benefit from a  service in person. Whilst acknowledging that this could have had a detrimental impact on certain individuals, it was explained that there had been greater levels of participation in services offered online. However, services would continue to be offered to those who required in-person meetings.

At the conclusion of the discussion the status report was noted.

Resolved – That the update be noted.