A COVID-19 Outbreak Engagement Board has been formed in Derby to oversee the delivery of local outbreak control plans and ensure timely and effective community engagement.
The board, chaired by the Leader of Derby City Council, Chris Poulter, had its first meeting on Wednesday 22nd July, bringing together public health officers and Councillors to discuss plans going forward. This follows the development of a COVID-19 Health Protection Board to cover all of Derbyshire.
The Department of Health and Social Care instructed all ‘upper tier’ authorities and their public health teams to establish specific boards to oversee the delivery of COVID-19 Local Outbreak Prevention and Control Plans.
Derby’s outbreak plan, published at the end of June, identified actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and contain local outbreaks.
Other key aims of Derby’s local board include driving communication and engagement with residents of Derby, recommend approaches to key stakeholders on the impacts outbreak prevention and control plan, and to support the local Health Protection Board to reduce transmission of the virus.
Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
Ensuring that the public and key Derby stakeholders are well informed, engaged, and communicated with is paramount in reducing potential transmission of COVID-19 in the local area. Through the Engagement Board, we aim to not only carefully track the progress of Derby’s COVID-19 outbreak plans but also encourage effective, two-way communication with the city’s residents to provide clear information and guidance.
Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health for Derby City Council, said:
It is very important that we remember that while we are currently in an eased version of lockdown, social distancing and hygiene guidelines are still essential to ensure that we continue to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is, therefore, a very welcome move that public health representatives and local political leaders are collectively providing guidance for residents and will be continually addressing the progress of Derby’s plans to control potential outbreaks in the city.
Going forward, the board will meet every three weeks to evaluate progress.