The report of the Interim Director, Place (Document “AC”) provides an update on COVID-19 in Bradford District.  It describes the district response between March 2020 and January 2021.  The latest data on cases, admissions and deaths will be reported verbally at the meeting. 

The report sets out how the Bradford District COVID-19 response is being managed, explaining the leadership role of the COVID-19 Management Group and the working groups that feed it. 

Recommended –

That Shipley Area Committee notes the contents of the report and the work that is taking place across the district to respond to the Covid 19 pandemic.

(Ian Day – 07896 728186)

The report of the Interim Strategic Director, Place (Document “AC”) was presented to provide the Committee with an update on the situation in relation to COVID-19 in the Bradford District.  An update was also circulated to Members prior to the meeting which included the latest data on cases, admissions and deaths.

It was advised that infection rates were escalating but that the positivity rate was less than before Christmas.  The new variant represented 50% of cases across the district and was more infectious.  Hospital admissions were increasing and the number of deaths had increased over the previous 7 days.

It was stressed that residents needed to continue to follow the guidelines provided.  The District had 2 lateral flow COVID test sites and teams were visiting high infection areas.  The rates in Bradford and Keighley were lower in the lateral testing sites in the previous week.  One thousand, one hundred tests had been carried out in various areas in the District and there was a lower number of calls in to the support telephone line during the second lockdown.  Eighty four percent of target contacts had been made as part of local contact tracing.

Work was being done in partnership with the Police, Environmental Health and Licensing to check on businesses and monitor infringements.

COVID Young Ambassadors were providing valuable feedback and insight.  Young people wanted information relating to vaccines which were for over 18’s only (not licensed for under 18’s).  Information and myth-busting was needed in relation to the concerns that vaccines contained animal products or could affect fertility.  A consistent message would continue to be given by the Communications Team, partners and volunteers.

Members then had the opportunity to ask questions, the details of which and the responses given, are as below:

·         There was good communication between Council Members with Council Officers and Public Health and one Member asked how the Young Ambassadors were deployed and what conversations were taking place so that younger people could be vaccinated.

·      In response, Officers advised that the Young Ambassadors came from across the District and were working remotely providing good information.  The priority for vaccinations was focused on older age groups, care staff and NHS workers.  The vaccination plan would roll out to lower age groups.  The issue with vaccinating under 18’s revolved around the issue of licensing and not due to any actions by the Government.

·         A Member asked about the origins of myths surrounding COVID vaccines and whether they could be identified and addressed.

·      In response, Officers advised that there was no porcine used and that rumours build and were difficult to track down.  The message was tailored to suit the community from which information was received.  A sum of £472,000 had been awarded to invest in the voluntary sector.  Community Ambassadors would share messages, counter narratives and help with ‘myth busting’

·         One Member sought clarity on the statistics provided in relation to the number of positive test results and whether the results related to all tests.

·      Officers confirmed that the statistics took account of both lateral flow test sites and were not double counted as they were not included in the Council’s figures.

·         A Member asked whether any pressure could be applied to secure quicker vaccinations for teachers but were told this was not possible.

·         Was there any more information available in relating to the BAME community as they were more susceptible?

·      In response, Officers advised that the District was 60% White British and that the issues for those in the BAME community was due to poverty and multi-generational households, so the issue was more around poverty and lifestyle.

·         The Chair asked how many Ambassadors were allocated to Shipley and was advised it was too early to say as they had not yet been deployed.

·         One Member stated that pharmacies in Baildon were not doing vaccinations and residents were having to travel to Bradford and asked why Operation Jacob’s Well was delayed until February 2022.

·      Officers responded and advised that pharmacies had been asked to carry out vaccinations but only Rimmington’s went through the first approval process but with the hospital sites included there was enough capacity.

·         One Member asked whether any action, such as issue of diet sheets had been carried out as obesity, heart problems and diabetes were all contributory factors.

·      Officers advised that they would check with health colleagues but were not doing this from within the hub as it was dealing with the immediate issue.

·         A Member asked whether there were any problems and would there be any delays in receiving vaccine doses.

·      Officers advised that there was no reduction for Bradford and deliveries were due. 

Resolved –

1)         That officers be thanked for the work completed so far.

2)        That Shipley Area Committee noted the contents of the report and
the work that was taking place across the district to respond to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Action: Interim Strategic Director, Place