a) Environmental Health
b) Nottinghamshire Police
c) Health
Minutes:
Paul Dales, Safer Business, Food and Health and Safety Manager, Nottingham City Council, gave an update on the work of the Environmental Health, Community Protection and Trading Standards Teams. He highlighted the following information:
a) Between 5 - 22 November, 272 business compliance checks were carried out with an additional 19 compliance visits undertaken in response to complaints. From these compliance checks, 23 businesses were found to be non-compliant and corrective actions were enabled, usually at the time of the visit. There have also been 35 business requests for advice about the regulations and associated issues. There have been 80 complaints received, primarily relating to allegations of non-Covid secure business environments. During this period 1 Fixed Penalty Notice has been issued and there is 1 pending.
b) There has been a shift in focus from the hospitality to the retail sector, as much of the hospitality sector is currently closed.
c) Discussions have taken place with sectors who have tried to use the exemptions to remain open e.g. selling hardware. The issues have been explored with businesses to ensure a consistent application of the rules. Where necessary this has been supported by the Trading Standards Team.
d) Nationally there is discussion about whether spectators will be allowed to return to attending sporting events. In preparation for this potentially being allowed, work is taking place with local sporting venues to consider how they would manage this in line with the associated guidance.
Steven Cooper gave an update on the work of Nottinghamshire Police, highlighting the following information:
e) In the week up to 22 November there were 100 Covid-related incidents, mainly gatherings of too many people, individuals not self-isolating and individuals not wearing face coverings when required to do so, although there has been a significant improvement in compliance on this.
f) 100 Fixed Penalty Notices of £200 fines were issued, mostly to white men under 30 years. This increase in Notices issued reflects that following the considerable amount of advice and engagement work that has been undertaken, there is now a move towards greater enforcement. Individuals are still given opportunity to comply but if they don’t, then enforcement powers will used earlier.
g) Routine work is continuing, with night-time economy patrols taking place. There have only been a couple of calls related to licensed premised and generally there is a very high compliance with the restrictions.
h) There have been two protests managed recently. One which caused no disturbance and another that was dispersed without any Notices being issued.
i) Preparations are taking place for the end of the national lockdown on 2 December and preparations for the December/ Christmas period are underway, although it will be very different from previous years.
Amanda Sullivan gave an update from a health perspective, highlighting the following information:
j) The number of new hospital admissions has decreased but those who have been admitted are significantly unwell, and there are still high rates of admissions. There were 310 admissions related to Covid-19 in the seven days up to 15 November, compared with 339 in the previous seven days.
k) As of 17 November there were 450 beds occupied, which is similar to previously. Approximately 10% of those patients required ventilation.
l) There are approximately 40-50% more patients in hospital now than at the peak of the first wave.
m) Between 12 – 18 November there were 49 deaths in hospital.
n) So far, over 247,000 flu vaccinations have been administered across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. This is approximately 53% of the eligible population. The aim is to try and complete the flu vaccination programme before a Covid vaccine is available for delivery.
o) Health providers are trying to keep as many planned services operating as possible and if individuals have health concerns they should continue to seek medical advice.