Presentation by Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health and Wellbeing and Alison Cartwright, Coventry and Warwickshire CCGs
Minutes:
The Board received a presentation from Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health and Wellbeing and Alison Cartwright, Coventry and Warwickshire CCGs on the current Covid situation, including the Covid defence and vaccination programme.
The presentation set out the current national situation indicated that the increase in Covid rates in the North West had now levelled off – but rates in the North East continues to increase. The West Midlands continued to remain in the middle with the fourth highest rate of Covid of all nine English regions.
The key metrics on Covid-19 in Coventry, as at 11 July 2021, highlighted 328 cases of Covid per 100,000 residents, up from 54 cases on 7 June. The Board were informed that most cases were occurring in the 18-21 year olds, then the 11-17 year olds. There had been 65 cases in the 60 plus category. The daily numbers of people being tested had been increasing and was now 527 per 100,000. There were currently 14 patients with Covid in UHCW. The Board were also updated with the latest vaccination rates, to date 67.7% of residents had received their first vaccination, with 48.7% having had both doses. Further details were provided of the first dose coverage across the city by age and ward. It was noted that Foleshill and St Michael’s had the lowest uptake and resources were being targeted in these areas.
The presentation set out the national and local principles for managing the Covid defence from 19th July, the local being:
i) Take up vaccine offer including second dose and booster.
ii) Maintain hands face space where it made sense or you were requested to do so
iii) LFT regularly and take a PCR test when symptomatic or requested to do so
iv) Isolate when required by NHS T&T to do so.
v) Continuation of Covid secure / infection prevention measures in settings.
Reference was made to the Phase Four roadmap for 19th July and 16th August. The Covid restrictions expected to end on 19th July were detailed, although these were subject to Government review. In addition, from 19th July there was to be no quarantine for the double-vaccinated or under 18s from amber list countries returning to England with testing remaining in place. From 16th August, close contacts who were double-vaccinated or under 18 would be advised to test but would not have to isolate unless positive.
The Board were advised of the key messages including that the vaccine had weakened the link between illness and severe illness; the rate of those with antibodies could be lower in Coventry than elsewhere; and that Covid case rate would continue to increase over the forthcoming weeks. Members noted that there had been 1 Covid death in Coventry in the last 10 weeks.
Additional information was provided on the Public Health priorities to reduce Covid transmission.
Reference was made to the vaccination roll out with all over 18s now being offered the vaccine. There were now multiple settings in the city where residents could access the vaccine. Attention was drawn to the Grab a Jab Coventry and Warwickshire initiative which involved a number of venues where residents could just turn up and be vaccinated without the need for an appointment. Communications, engagement and access push centred on the younger cohort, geographies with the lower uptake and ethnic communities. NHS planning was now underway for an autumn booster programme. The Board noted that there had been no decision yet on vaccinating under 18s.
Members asked for clarification/ further information on a number of issues including the location of pop up clinics in Wards where vaccine take up was low; the situation regarding Covid tests when returning from countries on the amber list; the autumn booster programme; whether there had been any Covid deaths involving patients who had received both vaccinations; and the effectiveness of the vaccine on different cohorts.
RESOLVED that the current Covid defence and vaccination programme update be noted.