Agenda item

Oral update on the latest position.

The Board received an oral update from Officers relating to issues and matters concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members discussed the new variant – omicron – which was considered to be more infectious than the delta variant and there was concern that this could cause significant problems should it evade immunity. At this stage, there were no known cases in the UK and this was a precautionary risk based on the genetic sequence of the virus.

A Member noted the data indicated that 62% of residents had received their first two jabs in the City but questioned if this included residents with second homes and had been vaccinated elsewhere. Officers confirmed that people in the City could only be registered with one GP so would only be serviced in one place.

Members were concerned regarding the availability of lateral flow tests which could now only be ordered online rather than collected from pharmacies. It was noted that this was withdrawn to manage availability. The focus was testing in communities of high risk. the Chairman recommended readvertising the walk-in test sites in the City.

In response to a question regarding whether people that had ignored or declined previous texts to have the vaccine meant they were no longer offered stop getting offered. officers confirmed that only those that had discussed the matter with their GP and requested they not be offered again were taken off the list.

The Chairman congratulated the Boots at Fleet Street but made a plea for a permanent and visual site in the east of the City. Officers confirmed they were advocating to the NHS who were in the process of bringing in services. When this was confirmed, it would be publicised.