Agenda item

Covid 19 - Verbal Update

Minutes:

The Leader of Council gave Members an update on the escalating situation in regard to Covid 19.  Cases had increased to 389.4 per 100,000 and currently Neath Port Talbot was third highest in Wales.  Track and Trace had identified that a major contributing factor in this rise was people not adhering to the advice on not mixing. 

 

Concern was expressed by Council that some of the guidance being issued was not clear and caused confusion.  Future communications issued needed to be simple and clear.   It was highlighted that all residents of Neath Port Talbot and Swansea had received a Covid 19 information leaflet and Welsh Government were looking at undertaking a similar campaign across Wales.  Also, work has been undertaken by the regional communications group to link into groups who work with vulnerable groups to ensure that Covid 19 information is made available.

 

Discussion took place on whether it was possible for the data on Covid 19 to be made available to all ward Members on a weekly basis.  It was explained that the data belonged to the Health Board and was considered by the Welsh Government and then shared with Local Authorities, by the time it was circulated it was already out of date due to the constant changes in the information collected.  As a result the information would not assist Members at ward level.  Members were asked to continue to promote the Covid 19 guidance in their communities.

 

In addition, a rise has been identified in secondary schools as a result of the recent school holidays, where children were seen not adhering to social distancing and continuing to mix in groups.   As a result schools would remain open until the end of term to enable schools to continue to manage children and young peoples’ behaviour while on school premises in adhering to the Covid 19 guidance.  Council was also informed of the recent excellent report from the Health and Safety Executive inspection of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council schools in relation to implementing Covid 19 guidance.  This report would be circulated to Council if possible.

 

Council heard of the work that Margam Orangery has been undertaking to try to assist couples with alternative plans for weddings as a result of the Orangery being made a mass vaccination centre.

Forthcoming Retirements

 

The Leader advised Members that this was the last meeting of Council that Mr. S. Phillips, Chief Executive , would attend due to his impending retirement.  The Leader paid tribute to the work undertaken and commitment Mr. Phillips had to improve the outcomes for communities in Neath Port Talbot while he was Chief Executive and wished him a long and happy retirement. This was supported by Members.  Mr. Phillips, responded and wished the authority, members and his successor Mrs. K.Jones well for the future.

 

The Leader also advised Members of the forthcoming retirement of Mrs. B. Austin, Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive.  The Leader and Mr. S.Phillips thanked Mrs. Austin for all the support she had given them over a number of years and wished her a long and happy retirement.  This was supported by Members.  Mrs.B.Austin was appreciative of the comments given by Officers and Members at todays’ meeting.