Agenda item

Oral update on the latest position.

Members heard an update from the Town Clerk & Chief Executive and the Assistant Town Clerk & Gold Command, Peter Lisley, relating to the COVID response both at pan-London level and from the City of London Corporation.

The Town Clerk gave an update on the work of the Strategic Coordination Group (SCG) and informed Members that, as of Monday week, a number of staff would be returning from their secondments back to Guildhall, including the Director of Communications. The Town Clerk also committed to be back for the next meeting of the Court of Common Council.

The Assistant Town Clerk & Gold Command then gave an update on the City Corporation’s response to COVID-19:

·           He reported that provision of public services was stable.

·           Open Spaces were expecting a busy bank holiday weekend ahead.

·           It was important to avoid burnout and he had encouraged staff to take a break over the weekend.

·           Testing was now available to all staff through a self-book portal or via HR but sickness levels were low, including anxiety and stress.

·           There had been no community deaths (excluding deaths at St Bartholomew’s Hospital).

·           Chief Officers were now looking at a phased return to normal activity, both in a London context and for our own staff, particularly looking at transport and the importance of this for City businesses.

·           It was expected that the Government announcement on Sunday would confirm that staff should continue to work from home where possible.

·           Sadly, one loss of life due to COVID-19 had been experienced within the City of London Police and one member of City Corporation staff remained seriously ill.

Members expressed gratitude to officers and volunteers for their work during these unprecedented times. It was suggested that it would be important to take an overall strategic view whilst working on the plans for the next phase and that this Committee should play a substantive role in the governance and oversight associated with this.