The Cheshire & Merseyside (C&M) Directors of Public Health (DsPH) currently meet weekly. The key messages from the 24th September COVID-19 response meeting are as follows:
- Schools – DsPH had a discussion about the issues schools are facing whilst dealing with high numbers of COVID-19 cases. A recent task and finish group looked at the guidance for schools which has now been circulated to DsPH. DsPH will now consult with their teams and feed any comments back to the group. Key issues will continue to be escalated nationally as necessary.
- Testing – The recent paper on COVID-19 testing issues from the DsPH has been sent to the national team and colleagues leading on testing will be invited to attend a DsPH meeting in the near future for a discussion.
- Vaccination uptake – DsPH highlighted the importance of ensuring the whole population is able to be fully vaccinated and are in ongoing discussions with NHSE on how to improve uptake, particularly in the most vulnerable communities.
- PHE update – A mixed picture with Covid rates increasing in some areas and decreasing in others. Rates in over 60s are falling but rates for 4 – 10 years olds and 10 – 19 year olds remain very high.
- Good news and gratitude – Liverpool City Council were highly commended at the MJ awards in the public health improvement category. Congratulations to everyone involved.