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over the last few weeks there had been an increase in cases of COVID-19 across the country; within Plymouth the rate of cases was currently 16, per 100,000 in comparison to an average of 22 per 100,00 across the rest of England. Plymouth’s figures were below the national average however had increased considerably since the last update to Council;

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it was recognised nationally that the majority of cases were in a younger population (working age to up to 50 years old) and that this cohort seemed to be less badly affected by the disease itself. The rates of those cases across the country remained relatively low however in some areas where early increases were experienced there were local lockdowns in place;

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as winter was approaching it was expected that people would spend more time indoors and it was highlighted that COVID-19 could spread more easily in this environment due to less space and ventilation. This time of year also brought about more coughs and colds, many of which would not be COVID- 19, however would need to be treated as such due to the similarity of symptoms experienced;

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it was recognised that there had been considerable issues linked to pillar 2 testing; some people were experiencing problems  booking onto tests to get to the Seaton Barracks site or to get a home test. It was highlighted that the issue was in laboratory capacity;

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despite the difficulties experienced by some in trying to get a test, the rate of testing had increased; in the last 7 days 3,300 tests had been carried out in Plymouth whereas over a month in the summer the rate was approximately 2,000. It was reiterated that only the person with COVID-19 symptoms was required to undertake a test other than the entire household;

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to try to prevent the rise in COVID-19 associated deaths, guidance had been issued by the Government limiting social contact to a group of 6 people; it was highlighted that the more you minimise social contact the more you minimise the potential risk in contracting or spreading COVID-19.

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issues surrounding Track and Trace in terms of licensed premises and how businesses could be encouraged to collect this information;

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how Plymouth University was going  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28