Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Â鶹ÊÓƵ releases Local Outbreak Control Plan

Published: Tuesday, 30th June 2020

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has released a Local Outbreak Plan to help manage any potential sporadic Covid-19 surges in the region.

The Government instructed all local authorities to devise plans to manage an outbreak which could see schools, businesses or workplaces closed and local lockdown enforced if infection rates were to spike.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Covid-19 Outbreak Control Plan outlines how local knowledge, experience and expertise will be used, to prevent outbreaks and manage the virus over time, as part of the national Test and Trace programme.

Measures have put in place following a Local Outbreak Outsight board meeting led by Councillor Paulette Hamilton and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Ward.

Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health for Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said “Our plan outlines how Â鶹ÊÓƵ will effectively respond to a potential outbreak, and work in collaboration with local partners to ensure that a further spread does not occur.

“Clear protocols have been put in place to support local communities, businesses and citizens, as well as to support the national NHS Test and Trace programme.

“Similar conversations are happening within local authorities all over the country to engage people across all segments of society with the need to comply with social distancing and be alert to symptoms, as well as maximise awareness of how to access testing within their region.”

Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Councillor Ian Ward, said "Naturally we hope that this plan will never be needed, but it's essential that Â鶹ÊÓƵ is prepared and that we monitor and quickly respond to any increase in cases of coronavirus across the city.

“The pandemic is not over, and it is vital that we all adhere to social distancing and wash our hands regularly to help control the virus, and, in doing so, save lives."