Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the verbal update from the Director of Public Health on Covid-19 planning in Southampton.

Dr Debbie Chase - Director of Public Healthwas in attendance and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Panel discussed a number of points including:

·  The current numbers of people testing positive for Covid-19 in the City;

·  The current rate of those people vaccinated in the City;

·  Step to reach to those areas / communities where the take up of vaccination had been lowest;

·  The Omicron variant and its potential to spread; and

·  The risk of spreading infection at Council meetings. 

The Panel raised concerns about the requirement to hold meetings of the HOSP in person and supported the work being undertaken by the LGA and other bodies in lobbying Government to introduce urgent legislation so that councils can meet in a remote or hybrid setting.