10/08/2020
Really helpful breakdown. Worth reading
Last week Councillors had a briefing about the current situation in terms of the risk of COVID in Calderdale. I thought I'd take a few minutes to update everyone on where we are up to. In this I'm going to cover.
- the state of the outbreak in Calderdale
- The council's response
- The next steps
- What we have asked for from government
- A few personal (and political) thoughts on the response
THE STATE OF THE OUTBREAK IN CALDERDALE
In Calderdale we have a worrying number of cases. Since the easing of lock down rules cases here have risen more than in other places. We now have the same number of identified cases as we had at during the peak of the pandemic (see graph) and although some of that can be attributed to the increase in tests we are conducting, we are also finding more cases per test.
In Calderdale we have a particular issue in terms of our track and trace results, it appears to be that we have more contacts per case in Calderdale - that is in part because of economic drivers. We still have a disproportionate number of cases in the service industry. We also have higher proportions of those infected living in poorer areas with overcrowded housing. I'd point out at this stage that this isn't because of none compliance with restrictions in these areas, or any community, but that with opening up people who are infected have used key services that have been running throughout the period.
There have been dangerous ideas around that young people are less likely to suffer from COVID than adults, this is not true. And now 22% of new coronavirus cases in Calderdale - that's more than 1 in 5 are people under 18.
The final thing I'd say is that there have been cases found in all parts of Calderdale despite what some might say and there is a minority of rule breaking against a backdrop of overwhelming compliance in all communities.
THE COUNCILS RESPONSE.
It is hard to summarise a whole council response here, so please be aware these are just highlights.
We are developing local testing hubs in the most effected areas, we are also making sure that we offer advice on financial support for those who we recommend will isolate so that people aren't forced to chose between doing the right thing by the community or by their family welfare. We will be developing our own test track and trace system to help support the existing government one.
We are working with taxis, take aways and shops to support them on infections - we have also ordered a stock of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help the taxi trade.
We are taking enforcement seriously. As of Wednesday we had warned 18 pubs for not adhering to rules and are taking reports of none compliance seriously. We have visited over 100 premises.
The level of the risk in care homes is something that has gained national attention and is something we are aware of in Calderdale. We are working hard to cut down on care homes having to use agency staff who may work in more than one home increasing infection risk. We continue to work with providers to make tests and PPE available to residents and staff.
NEXT STEPS
The next steps fall into two categories, what we are doing to address the virus and what we are doing to get to some kind of normal living with the virus when it's under control in our area.
So in terms of next steps addressing the virus, the first thing of significance will be a review of our restrictions by the government on August 19. My suspicion based on the case numbers is that if any changes are made they are probably going to push toward more onerous restrictions. We are aiming to open council gyms and libraries but obviously this is based on some movement in infection rates.
In terms of longer term next steps, one of our main focuses has to be education. We will do all we can to get to a position where schools can open safely in September, however the number of cases among young people really does paint a bleak picture.
The government will be providing per pupil catch up funding which we hope will go someway to avoiding an attainment gap, and there will be extra funding for particularly disadvantaged pupils.
Schools will have to operate on a bubble system with where possible, contact being limited and teachers working with specific groups. We are well aware that transport and journeys to and from school will provide a particular problem. This is going to be really tough and we all need to support teachers in the work they are doing and decisions they take.
WHAT WE HAVE ASKED FROM THE GOVERNMENT
We have 4 main requests s from the government
- that they share all the data with local authorities
- that they provide financial support to low paid workers forced or isolate in areas with local lockdowns
- a national mandate for mask waring in taxis
- flexibility to test more people in at risk populations even if asymptotic, for example taxi drivers, care home staff and street based testing.
A FINAL THOUGHT
One of the reasons I take time to write updates like this is because I think people need to understand decisions that have been taken. In my view the government haven't done enough to explain the decision they have taken and the priorities they have. This makes rules less likely to be followed.
With a virus that is easily transmitted like this there is a question of priorities, what do you open, what do you allow? That means you will allow some things but not others to limit spread while allowing people to live and businesses to open. That the government have prioritised commerce over human interaction (visiting people's home etc) is clear, and this might seem contradictory. What I would say is that while I may personally chose to priorities getting schools open over pubs that doesn't mean that we should blame business owners doing their best to follow rules and look after their staff and customers.
I am going to do my absolute best to support businesses where I can, while doing what I believe to be responsible based on the rules and the science. I would urge others to do the same, and if you can wear a mask, it keeps everyone safer.
I'm sorry I can't share happier news this week but I hope you find it useful. Stay safe, look after each other and be mindful of the rules.
