Newcastle’s COVID Control Plans take shape

The citywide strategy includes economic recovery and the Newcastle COVID Control Plan, including the NHS Test and Trace system, and how it will prevent further extended outbreaks of the virus.

Cabinet will be asked to consider the governance and oversight of the plans, including how the existing Wellbeing for Life Board can be adapted to meet the Government’s requirement for a local board to in place for politically lead public engagement.

The Wellbeing for Life Board has membership from the council, local health partners, universities and voluntary sector. This proposal will see the Board take on the role of the Newcastle COVID Recovery Board for an initial six months, meeting more frequently and increasing the scope of its membership to include organisations and key businesses that have a vital role to play in the ongoing prevention of the virus and citywide recovery.

Newcastle’s COVID Control Plan will be built around the seven key themes expected by government with an emphasis on prevention and building on the well-established, successful partnerships and collaboration in the city. The plans will be locally focused, looking at prevention and control whilst preparing plans for any community outbreaks.

The seven key themes are:

• Care Homes and schools – planning for local outbreaks in care homes and schools, monitoring and providing support when needed.
• High risk places, location and communities – Identifying and planning how to manage high risk places, location and communities and helping to shape preventative measures and outbreak management plans.
• Local Testing Capacity – Methods for local testing that are accessible to all and have a quick response.
• Contact Tracing in complex settings – Accessing local and regional contact tracing capacity in complex places such as hotels and rehabilitation facilities. 
• Data – Using local insight, regional data and planning with the Joint Biosecurity Centre.
• Vulnerable People – Continued support to people who have been asked to shield, self-isolate or are vulnerable – this will include adaptions to current services like Citylife Line.
• Local Boards – establishing structures to oversee and support these plans, communication with partners and the public.

The broader role of the board will also overseeing economic recovery and how it can support Newcastle businesses to ensure they are COVID secure and feel safe and ready to reopen.

At the heart of Newcastle’s recovery are the values of inclusivity, low carbon and tackling inequalities, focusing on a green economy, radical changes to our transport network and good health and wellbeing for everyone.

Councillor Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council said,

“Throughout this pandemic the strength and spirit of community in our city has shone brightly, organisations have come together to work collaboratively to protect vulnerable residents and support our businesses.

“We must continue to draw on the power of these partnerships as we shape our recovery and prevent further outbreaks of the virus in Newcastle. Underpinning everything we do are our values of equality and fairness, our long term vision to create a greener, cleaner city and a healthy, vibrant neighbourhoods.

“I have lobbied Government throughout this pandemic for greater powers for local responsibilities, we are best placed to make changes to our city that will protect it and shape our recovery. We know our city, we know our residents and we know our communities.

“The Government finally accepted this and whilst we have some additional powers I still feel we are lacking further resource and policy support to push forward our Covid Control Plans.”

The national NHS Test and Trace system will be a fundamental part of the plan, with the report reinforcing the Council’s approach to delivering the system locally to make sure new cases are controlled through quick isolation and contact tracing – with everyone playing their part to control any outbreaks and allowing their communities, businesses and schools to stay open.

Councillor Forbes continued,

“I have been very clear that an effective, local test track and trace system is vital as our city starts to reopen, recover and rebuild.

“The Government’s approach so far has been fragmented and lacking clarity, however our local plans and knowledge in our city means our Newcastle approach will be targeted, quick and controlled.

“It is vital that our residents support this and listen to the advice of NHS and health colleagues. If you are asked to self-isolate I urge you to do so, you are not only protecting yourself, your family, your neighbours and your community but allowing our great city to emerge from this crisis.

“Our city has shown great resilience, grit and determination throughout this pandemic and our communities have come together in solidarity. We must remain together, as a whole city, in the coming days, weeks and months.”

The Council remains committed to sharing good practice nationally and locally and learning from other regions creating these plans. Updates will be sent to the Integrated Care Provider Recovery board which is made up of leaders from Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland and local leaders from the NHS.

As one of 11 councils identified nationally to share good practice, the Council is also a member of the national COVID Control Advisory Board.

If endorsed by Cabinet on Monday 15^th the plans will be discussed by full council at a virtual meeting on the 2^nd of June as part of discussing plans to refresh the Wellbeing for Life Board following a review