Staff briefing roundup

General update – Rob Gerlis

The ‘R’ rate in the East of England is between 1.2 – 1.4. The rate for the UK is 1.1 to 1.3
Essex County Council area is at high alert (Tier 2). This excludes Thurrock and Southend which are unitary authorities. This is until Thursday 5 November, when national lockdown will begin for four weeks
The number of cases detected by testing in the last two weeks is 18,950 in the UK on 2 November, with a seven day average of 22,793 on 30 October (up from 21,926 on 23 October)
The total number of patients admitted to hospital in England has increased to 1,109 in England on 30 October, with estimated patients in hospital in England at 9,077 on 1 November
Daily deaths at 125 on 2 November
Highest community rates in Essex were in Brentwood at 203.8 cases per 100,000 population, but Thurrock had the most cases (237) over the last seven days
The Essex seven day positive test rates are lower than the England average of 225.8 per 100,000 population

From Thursday, we will be in a second national lockdown.

This lockdown applies to England only, not Scotland and Wales
Schools, colleges and universities will remain open
Pubs, restaurants, leisure facilities including gyms will close
While we still have some staff working from the office, we would encourage everyone who can do, to work from home
Appear to be two vaccines that are going to potentially be available – they are similar apart from the COVID jab will involve two types – one is 21 days later and the other 28 days later
ICS partnership board meeting – a really good presentation as to where we were in west Essex and how we are now in a good position – good to be working together with all various stakeholders

Official sensitive: beginning a vaccination programme for COVID from 1 December subject to certain things; it’s changing daily
Large logistical exercise
PAH admissions are picking up this week
Much more successful at care home outbreak containment in comparison to March
All of elected care continues for now
Probably a couple of waves behind the national trend
Second lockdown could potentially be tougher
More rapid testing piloted in Liverpool
Positive talk of COVID vaccine
We have made an offer to Director of Primary Care of ICS – will announce this shortly
Advert out for ICS Performance Director

COVID overview
Pillar 2 testing overview – ending due to national lockdown
Don’t forget to complete your staff survey – you may find it in junk mail
Extra flu vaccinations – those who missed the first staff flu clinic have been contacted and have been given dates to have their jabs this week
Please let your GP practice know if you have had your flu jab
If anyone would like to share their department’s news during the staff briefing please email the Comms team and they can schedule you in

Christmas quiz (Thursday 17 December) – we encourage you all to get involved, please register your teams