SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL COVID-19 UPDATE – FRIDAY 17TH April 2020

· Public Health – In Somerset we now have 147 recorded Covid-19 infections and 49 deaths. There are currently a total of 41 hospitalised Covid-19 cases, 5 of which are receiving mechanical ventilator interventions. All hospitals are coping well, with plenty of capacity. Compared with 2 weeks ago there is beginning to be evidence of an increase in deaths, when compared with the usual number recorded in previous years.

· Care home cases – have increased to 27 (from 17 earlier this week).

· SCC status – Low rates of staff absenteeism at present and everything is up and running as expected.

· Registration service – some people are struggling with online registration of deaths, but support is being provided. There is currently a large backlog of death registrations, largely due to the change in methods of registration. It is intended that this backlog be cleared over this weekend.

· There is an increased focus on domestic violence, based on anecdotal evidence. I have raised concern in relation to whether or not those experiencing violence, particularly in a confined environment, will be able to access help and support easily.

· The peak of the Covid-19 cases in Somerset is later than planned but are so far lower than had been anticipated.

· Planned new school builds – these are continuing but at a slower pace in order to accommodate social distancing.

· JCT 25 and other highways work – continuing but at a slower pace.

· Public transport – demand has dropped but SCC are working with transport providers to provide financial support and to ensure it is available for key workers.

· Patient transport – especially for renal dialysis patients, SCC has taken out a short-term lease of 22 vehicles to enable safer transport, and to avoid use of volunteers.

· 1254 homes are being visited on a weekly basis for school meal provision.

· Waste collection – parked cars have posed a problem for vehicle access, with more people being at home. There has been a huge increase, particularly of cardboard, and extra vehicles have been provided to collect household cardboard waste weekly.

· Green waste – volume of waste is higher than ever and if concern. The fire service has advised that bonfires are not to be encouraged.

· Household waste re-cycling – 90% of centres are closed across the country. Dept. of Health does not consider this essential travel. There has been concern over the increase in fly tipping across the county. Consideration is being given to re-opening as many of these services as possible as soon as possible, using additional contractors if necessary.

· Economic development team – working with districts to ensure gov’t funding is received and to work on a Covid-19 recovery plan for communities and businesses.

· Planning – the highways planning team is still in operation.

· Small Improvement Schemes – the programme has been temporarily paused.

· Contact centres – with multi-agency working and improved IT systems now in place, call volume has increased from 449 calls in March to 4900 in the last week (800+ calls per day). Online security has been improved, and 3k+ staff are now working from home. The IT team are now working 24/7.

· Partnership working with districts – the main focus on is on vulnerable people and carrying out risk assessments, to contact them, and ensure face-to-face calls are made where necessary. At the moment there is no central point for information, which is being worked on. Plans are in place for an accreditation scheme to ensure that only bone fide people are calling on members of the public. SCC have now been given access to NHS volunteer lists in order to be able harness their help.

· PPE – 650 containers of PPE equipment have now been distributed, and the position is improving. 200k face masks were received this week for social care use alone (GPs, care homes etc.), with more on the way, funded by SCC. The NHS have their own source of supply. Gloves and gowns remain in short supply.

· Testing – a site up and running at Bristol airport, with 300 carried out on key workers so far, and further plans being put in place this coming week.

· Concern has been raised about the risk of involvement with those requiring care at home, and the number of carers/visitors they receive. Steps are in place to ensure that appropriate PPE equipment is available and used.

· Hinckley Point C – concern has been raised about safe access arrangements for site workers from other areas of the country living in local villages, and the intention to persuade them to live within the confines of the site to avoid travel.

· Glastonbury has been identified as an area where it is proving difficult to ensure that people are social distancing, and a number of fixed penalty notices have been issued.

CHOCOLATE - ESSENTIAL OR LUXURY?

I fully support the measures in place to help us overcome the Coronavirus and the devastating effects of Covid-19. I do get that in order to protect ourselves and others we must consider the impact of our actions, particularly when it comes to social distancing and self-isolation. On a personal level I have been going to great lengths to protect myself; I am not quite ready to meet my maker just yet (despite having purchased my own coffin some years ago, which now languishes in my garage), at least while I still have money in the bank and plenty of wine to consume. However, enforced time spent at home, for which I will be eternally grateful, has given me pause for thought.

We are told that we should only leave our homes or shop for ‘essential’ items. What though do we mean by ‘essential’? At its most basic level, ‘essential’ means having access to food, water, warmth, shelter and rest. Much depends upon where in the social hierarchy we find ourselves. For those on the breadline the top priority will be keeping a roof over their heads and food in the bellies of their families. I spend a great deal of time supporting some of our most vulnerable people and ‘essential’ may have an altogether different meaning for them. Whatever the rights and wrongs of their situation, a daily fix is absolutely ‘essential’ for alcoholics and drug addicts.

In the last month we have all seen our lives turned upside down, and the physical and mental impact of lockdown on those confined to home, often with reduced levels a of income, cannot be underestimated. Whilst daily basics such as bread and milk (and toilet paper!) are easy to view as ‘essential’, it is often those little luxuries in life, the non-essentials, that can bring some joy into an otherwise nerve-racking situation. For many, time spent in the garden whilst the weather remains relatively dry and sunny, can be really uplifting, as can the opportunity to spend time at home carrying out those chores we are usually too busy to tackle, or the chance to chill out in front of the TV with a glass of wine and a sneaky bar of chocolate.

I would argue that the ability to indulge in these non-essential activities is actually ‘essential’ for our well-being and I worry about some of the enforcement activity that has taken place.

It is understandable that many of our stores, bars, restaurants, hotels and leisure facilities need to be off limits at present but there must be ways in which we can allow people to spend their enforced isolation in a manner that will support their mental and physical well-being, whilst at the same time helping to prop up the economy; be it pot plants, pots of paint, or even that bar of chocolate and a good book.

SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL COVID-19 UPDATE – 14TH April 2020

• There has been a total of 3,500 reported cases in the South West to date

• In Somerset to date there have been 35 deaths, and a total of 187 NHS reported cases, of which there are 46 hospitalised confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 7 people requiring ventilation

• Total Somerset hospital bed occupancy is at 45% at present

• Across the county there are 17 care homes with suspected Covid-19 cases. SCC are in daily contact with all care homes. It is difficult to establish the exact cause of death outside hospital admissions

• Up until now government guidance on PPE for care homes has been that only those dealing with Covid-19 cases are required to wear face masks = 26,000 masks required per week. Guidance is now changing, whereby care home staff are advised to wear face masks at all times = 150,000 a week required now, a huge jump

• SCC are unable to predict the timing of the next delivery of PPE, so SCC has ordered £700k of PPE equipment independently. The provision PPE deliveries is being prioritised to care homes with suspected/confirmed Covid-19 cases and staff have volunteered to do this

• SCC is in daily contact with care homes, and temporary staff are being provided where necessary, including the provision of food parcels

• Covid-19 testing in care home remains on a case by case basis

• Some concern has been raised about the possibility of elderly patients with Covid-19 symptoms being released into care homes

• The two re-commissioned care homes mentioned previously are ready to be become operational, with 40 staff having offered to be re-deployed to staff the Yeovil centre

• The Easter weekend was quiet across the county, with the police reporting good levels of compliance

• Overall staffing levels remain high and morale good

• Schools remained open over the Easter holiday to support critical workers and vulnerable children

• The low take-up of childcare provision at school from vulnerable families is of concern; there remains a stigma for some families in need, in relation to sending children to school when their peers are not required to attend

• 50% of early years providers are operating at present, which compares well with the rest of the country (33%)

• Free school meal provision – this should be provided through schools, or via online vouchers. In addition to this, food parcels can be delivered directly to the family home if necessary

• Young Carers – have either an allocated support worker or social worker in place and schools have a duty to provide support as necessary

• Courts are now holding necessary court hearings virtually

• Domestic violence – there has been some increase but not significantly at present. It is expected that the longer lockdown is in place the more this is likely to increase. There has been an increase in out of hours calls from families seeking support, and the government is providing additional support for voluntary groups working with troubled families

• Staff re-deployment – 1,500 responses have been received from staff (out of 3,500+) indicating areas in which they are willing to work. Adult social care and the registration service are areas most requiring additional resources at present

• A Somerset GP surgery which said autistic adults should have plans to prevent them being resuscitated if they become critically ill has been heavily criticised. I am investigating this

• Chinese lanterns – concern has been raised about the of suggestion of celebrating the NHS by releasing Chinese lanterns, which are considered a severe risk to livestock

THE PITFALLS OF VIRTUAL MEETINGS

We are certainly living in extraordinary times. As local authorities get to grips with the new technology that will enable them to hold virtual meetings, there are many who have raised concern about public participation, and quite rightly so.

Whilst a small number of meetings are held in closed session the majority are open to the public and there are fears that this move towards online participation will exclude some of the most vulnerable in our society. What is often particularly contentious at a local level are matters relating to planning. I would argue that in the current climate, it is all the more important for local elected members to ensure that that the voices of those they represent are heard. This can only be achieved by close, regular, communication to attain a comprehensive awareness of the issues of the day. Whilst we may not be able to hold public meetings at present there are many ways in which we can stay informed.

Although not a member of South Somerset District Council’s Area South Committee I chose to observe proceedings today by logging onto their virtual Zoom meeting; and what an eye opener it was, highlighting all too well the challenges we face.

The public were of course entitled to participate and have their say, but if the behaviour of some members of the public during today’s meeting is anything to go by then they are putting forward a very strong case for the public to be excluded. Their behaviour was truly disgusting. Not only was there offensive language (and as someone who usually swears like a trooper, I am not easily shocked) but offensive ‘made up’ names were used, and inappropriate images appeared on the video screen. I fail to see what point these individuals were trying to make; all it achieved was to make them look foolish and immature, and unlikely to have their opinions, whatever they might be, taken seriously. Yes, the public do have a right to be heard but this kind of behaviour is damaging to our democracy. It is doubtful that had the meeting been held in a traditional public forum any one of them would have had the guts to indulge in such egocentric conduct. They should be ashamed of themselves. I know that I would certainly not want to represent such people. 

On a more humorous note, I have learnt that when we are all working from home it does well to pay attention to where you are videoing from; today I observed a wine-rack in the background, sadly empty, and could easily observe my fellow councillors’ choice of home furnishings, literature and artwork. We may all begin to learn much more about each other; more than we bargained for!

SHOULD CHARITY BEGIN AT HOME?

The Coronavirus has brought about huge changes for many of us, in many ways, some of which may be permanent. I have been pretty much self-isolating for the best part of three weeks now and whilst I do appreciate the crisis situation we are in, for me it has been something of a mixed blessing. At the last count I was actively involved with 23 different organisations; something that I enjoy but find very time consuming and at times tiring.

Many of these organisations are charities and it will be of no surprise to learn that in the current climate charities are suffering terribly as we all focus on other aspects of our lives, which at the present time, naturally take priority; staying safe and well and ensuring that our loved ones do likewise. As someone living in a relatively wealthy western nation, I have always believed that where we can, we should give to those in less fortunate circumstances. However, given the current emergency it is natural that we should want to draw in our horns and take care of ourselves. This is of course the right approach; we cannot take care of others if we do not attend to our own needs first. There are many who will now begin to struggle financially, suffer the impact of being cooped up at home, perhaps in an abusive environment, unable to feed their families, becoming isolated and experiencing increasingly distressing mental health issues. There is much evidence that this is already happening on a huge scale.

Whilst the health service is deluged with Covid-19 issues, working at full capacity, and beyond, there will be little slack to take up the extra work in other areas that will undoubtedly result, for the time being at least. This is where each one of us, those enjoying healthy minds and bodies at present, can really be a big help. We may not have the financial resources to be able to donate funds to charities at present, but we can help in other ways, by volunteering our time and talents to support those in need.

Many of our local communities have set up self-help groups, and that aside, whilst people are social distancing, in addition to offering to man a helpline, making a ‘phone call, sending an email, letter or offer of help to shop, collect prescriptions etc. will not only help to avoid these challenges escalating but will ease the pressure on the key workers who are literally working their socks off. Sometimes just saying thank you can do the trick.

The question we should all be asking ourselves is – How can I help you get any help you need?

It is the individual acts of kindness to others that will be remembered long after we get through this.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT – THE NEW REALITY

Here in Somerset, the reality of the impact of the Coronavirus is now beginning to hit home. At local government level significant challenges are being faced to ensure that where possible it is ‘business as usual’. We are fortunate in that the vast majority of the population are compliant with the safety measures being put in place, and in general there is a good understanding and appreciation of the pressure under which key workers are operating.

After an initial pause, as leaders put in place emergency measures, scheduled meetings look all set to go ahead, using technology such as Zoom to enable ‘virtual’ meetings to be held. As I am in self-imposed isolation, I have participated in several of these sessions this week. It has been interesting to see how well most of us have been able to adapt to new ways of working, mainly from our homes.

What has occurred to me though is that I feel there is now no going back to how we have traditionally operated; in many ways this is a really positive outcome. My fuel bills are now almost non-existent, and I relish not having to drive for hours on end either for work or to attend meetings. I predict a sharp fall in road traffic accidents, and shopping is now a relaxed unhurried activity. Am I imagining it, or does the air seem cleaner too?

One key consideration as we will all have to do our bit to meet the enormous bill for handling this crisis, is that we should see a significant drop in elected members’ expense claims. During the last year the combined total for Somerset County Council and South Somerset District Council was in the region of £75,000, and this does not include claims made by officers in carrying out their duties. Perhaps now will also be the time to consider whether or not we still need to operate out of costly office buildings.

Of course, there are any number of services, which by their very nature will remain dependent upon face-to-face contact, but this situation has demonstrated that much of what we do can now be very effectively handled by telephone or email.

Whilst working from home clearly has its benefits, we must be careful not to erode that all important distinction between work and home life. Those of us who have the space to be able to work in a separate area of our homes are fortunate, but I am concerned about the impact on family life for those living in cramped spaces with others. There is also the issue of confidentiality.

In addition to this, those who are not technologically competent, who do not have access to the necessary tools and are often in a vulnerable situation, will be further disenfranchised from life at large, resulting in social isolation and exclusion. This is the real challenge we face, but if the kindness and thoughtful activities that this dreadful virus have spawned can instil in us that sense of collective regard for others then there is hope for a different, and better, future.