Issue - meetings

The Interim Head of Paid Service to present an update report for October on the council’s activities both directly in response to Covid-19 and to support recovery and renewal.

Resolved:  That the contents of the report, and the further information provided at the meeting, be noted.

The Interim Head of Paid Service presented a report which provided an update on the council’s activities in response to Covid-19, both directly and to support recovery and renewal.

The report outlined the three-tier system for local restrictions announced by government on 12 October, and York’s current placing at the ‘Medium’ level.  Updates in respect of economic, communities and corporate recovery were provided in paragraphs 10-13, 14-20 and 21-23 respectively, with details of the council’s communications activity in paragraphs 24-25 and Annex 2.  The communities update highlighted progress in improving Children’s Services, via the results of the ‘Front Door Health Check’ attached at Annex 1.

The Director of Public Health provided a further update at the meeting on Covid-19 cases in York, which had reached 3,016 in total since March.  The virus was spreading mostly through household contacts; although there had been cases in 4 care homes and 3 schools, these had not led to outbreaks or school closures.  In care homes, staff were being tested weekly and residents monthly.  There had been a small increase in hospital cases.  Local test and trace capacity was being stepped up, with discussions being held on a third testing site and the local contact tracing service having just gone live.

Members expressed their thanks to staff across the council, as well as local residents and businesses, for their work and support in a fast-changing situation. The Chair confirmed that the council would continue to lobby government for better support and communication.

Resolved:  That the contents of the report, and the further information provided at the meeting, be noted.