Agenda item

The Leader presented the report to Cabinet, which provided an update on the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the City’s recovery, ensuring residents and businesses complied with the current restrictions and the progress being made with the Council’s Strategic Recovery Aims and Corporate Plan.

Since the last report in March, Covid cases increased and remained prevalent across Newport’s communities. 

The latest ONS survey findings suggested a rise in case rates was driven by a sub type of the Omicron Variant.

The number of hospitalisations and beds occupied with Covid-19 related patients still remained low, however the impacts of restrictions over the past two years continued to impact health and social care settings.

As of the 28 March, Wales remained at Alert Level Zero with several legal restrictions still in place. Face coverings remained a legal requirement in health and care settings; and workplaces and premises open to the public continued to complete Coronavirus risk assessments.

Face coverings were no longer required by law in retail settings and on public transport.

The requirement to self-isolate following a positive Covid-19 test changed to guidance, and the £500 self-isolation payment to support people continued to be available until June 2022.

Welsh Government continued to monitor the current public health situation, and further assess the potential to remove all remaining legal measures at the next 21-day review by 14 April 2022.

For Newport Council the advice remained for elected members and officers to work remotely unless required by their role. 

As part of the Council’s New Normal project, staff were being prepare to undertake hybrid working, ensuring rooms and facilities across the Council’s estate were suitable and safe places to work and undertake  democratic roles.

The Leader may wish to ask Cabinet Members to highlighted areas of achievement, challenge, and progress.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 1- Extension of Free School Meals covering the forthcoming May half term and summer holiday period.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 1 –Newport Council have been working across our communities providing drop-in sessions for basic digital skills and courses through adult community learning.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 2 – Businesses in Newport will receive Welsh Government rate relief.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 2 – Our Climate Change plan has been approved by Council and will be commencing delivery in 2022/23.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 3 – Newport Council continue to follow the guidance for staff to work from home unless required by their role.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 3 – Library and museum services are now being delivered as per the pre pandemic format with limited control measures in place.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 4 – Newport Council continues to support the city’s foodbanks and food projects.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 4 – Participatory budget events have concluded with a total of 80 projects securing funding towards local projects.

Comments from Cabinet Members:

§  Councillor Truman referred to the increase in cases and mentioned that Licensing Officers and Health and Safety Inspectors were still covering care settings and schools, undertaking Risk Assessments, which he commended.  Councillor Truman reminded colleagues that residents of Newport still needed to be vigilant, using common sense, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

§  Councillor Davies thanked school staff for keeping schools open during this omicron variant of the virus.  It was exam period for pupils as well but staff were making sure that pupils were supported as a matter of priority.  Councillor Davies also referred to the free school meals and thanked the Welsh Government for their much needed support, this provision would be extended to September 2022 for all children in Newport.

§  Councillor Harvey echoed comments of colleagues and hoped that the Covid virus would soon be referred to in the past tense.

§  Councillor Hughes referred to the food banks and community which were accessible for Newport residents and wanted to recognise the hard work being done by volunteers and workers, in these areas.

Decision:

Cabinet considered and noted the contents of the report and would receive updates from officers as part of their portfolio.