Agenda item

Director of Public Health to be heard.

The Deputy Director of Public Health was heard and provided the following update:

1.         Infections amongst City residents were stabilising following a rapid increase in December 2021, with 77 cases in the City in the week up to 2nd February 2022.  There had been outbreaks in workplaces and entertainment venues but track and trace was focussing on areas with vulnerable residents, such as care homes.   Whilst we are in a better position than last year, and Omicron is a more benign infection, rates are plateauing at a fairly high level.  Hospital infection levels were down, with 75 beds currently occupied in Homerton and 4-7 patients a week requiring mechanical ventilation.

2.         There are currently 5,300 residents fully vaccinated in the City,  with 7,000 having received a 2nd vaccine and just over 8,200 having received their first.  Portsoken had a lower uptake initially, due to the lack of a convenient vaccination centre, but this was addressed in December, leading to a 20% increase in uptake of first vaccines.

3.         There will be a pop-up vaccination centre on 17-19th February in Mansell Street Car Park, with more are planned at Liverpool Street.  The Boots Vaccination Centre on Fleet Street will remain open.

4.         The Government is expected to bring forward plans for the next stage of  the Covid response in the week commencing 21st February and, if they continue on a downward trend, then a number of self-isolation requirements are likely to end.