Agenda item

To update on the development of a Communications Strategy to support the BCP Council COVID-19 Local Outbreak Management Plan and COVID-19 Local Outbreak Engagement Board.

The Director of Public Health  presented a report providing an update on the Covid-19 Communications Strategy and the role of the Local Outbreak Engagements Board  2020, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix ‘C’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Director of Public Health reported on the role of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board.  He reminded the Board that the Local Outbreak Management Plan had been produced by the end of June in line with national policy. The Director reported that as previously agreed the Health and Wellbeing Board would function as the Local Outbreak Engagement Board and would play a key role in local outbreak management along with key strategic officers and the Leader of the Council.  The Board was advised that considerable progress had been made working through the health protection board.  He explained that if the BCP area was facing an increase in outbreaks and or a rise in the infection rate the role of the board would be to communicate key public health messages quickly to the public or particular communities and provide oversight and assurance on the actions being taken.  The Director of Public Health referred to proposals to build a network of trusted voices seeking support from key people in communities.  He explained that the report summarised the communications strategy and trusted voices project and provided an opportunity to share thinking and work Public Health were doing on communication and engagement.

The Chairman referred to the current difficulties being experienced with the local Covid testing centre and the problem in accessing a test locally.  She highlighted that this was a national issue as capacity was being prioritised in other areas but asked what advice could be provided to residents.  The Director of Public Health explained that it was a national issue due to lab capacity.  He reported that he had been advised that this was a temporary measure and more lab capacity would be coming on stream in the next 2-3 weeks.  The Director reported that if people do have symptoms it was important to have a test.  He indicated that he would need to understand the current situation at the Creekmoor Centre and could use public health to put out appropriate local messages.  Sally Sandcraft confirmed the position in respect of the national portal and the difficulties at a local level.  The Director of Public Heath reported that he would put out appropriate messages on social media.

The Chairman referred to the member briefing on the Local Outbreak Management Planning on 14 September 2020.  She also referred to the work that the Chief Executive was involved with at a national level.

Sally Sandcraft reported on providing communications on young people going back to school which could also be linked to the communications strategy.  Councillor Moore reported that this would be helpful to support parents with their concerns and any messaging provided by Public Health on any potential second spike would provide reassurance.  The Chairman referred to schools’ approach on children wearing masks and that some schools who were turning children away if they were wearing masks. The Director of Public Health reported that he would discuss these issues with the Communications team to ensure messaging was appropriate and consistent.

RESOLVED that the Board:-

(a)          notes the development of the BCP Council Covid-19 Local Outbreak Management Plan (LOMP) Communications Strategy;

(b)          notes the key role the Local Outbreak Engagement Board will play in responding to future outbreaks/incidents as highlighted by exercises under the LOMP;

(c)          Key Members of the Engagement Board share their learning from the table-top exercise due to run on 7 September 2020.

Voting – agreed

Elaine Redding left at 10.27 am