The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Outbreak Management Plan was published on 30 June 2020. The Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has developed the plan to set out how organisations will contain and reduce cases of COVID-19 and safeguard the health of residents.
The plan was developed in cooperation with other Local Authorities in the South West to make sure it meets the needs of Isles of Scilly residents, but also fits in with the work of neighbouring authorities.
Now that the Outbreak Management Plan has been published, the Council of the Isles of Scilly has formally stood down its declaration of a Major Incident, as of 30 June 2020. This was done in a similar timeframe to Cornwall and Devon. The response is now under the direction of the Director of Public Health in accordance with the Local Outbreak Management Plan.
Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, Cllr Robert Francis said: “I welcome the publication of this vital document, which will help to ensure that people on Scilly are kept as safe as possible, should there be an outbreak. I’d like to thank the Director of Public Health and all those who contributed from Cornwall Council and our own authority for putting this together in such a short amount of time. Importantly, this plan has been completed ahead of the opening of the islands to visitors on 4 July 2020.
“It is important that we all continue to play our part in reducing the spread of the virus and preventing outbreaks. Please continue to follow national guidance on social distancing and regular and thorough handwashing, and on the use of face coverings as directed, for example in hospitals, on public transport and in confined spaces, such as shops, where effective social distancing is not possible. If you think you may have symptoms of the virus, please get a test and self-isolate.”
Rachel Wigglesworth, interim Director of Public Health, commented: "This comprehensive plan details how we will work with the new NHS Test and Trace Service and ensures we have the necessary capacity and capability to provide a fully co-ordinated approach to contain and manage local outbreaks of COVID-19.
“The plan isn't set in stone. It provides a blueprint for action, but it will need regular updating as new national guidance is produced or legislation changes.
“Containing local outbreaks successfully will need to be a co-ordinated effort with specialists from Public Health England, the NHS, social care, education, the police, the private sector, employers and the community and voluntary sectors."
You can read the latest version of the Local Outbreak Management Plan at the following link: https://scilly.gov.uk/sites/default/files/CIOS%20Local%20Outbreak%20Plan%2030jun2020%20Final.pdf.