Report outlines Bromley’s plans for spike in coronavirus cases

By Lachlan Leeming, Local Democracy Reporter

A new report published by Bromley’s public health body has revealed the warning signs the authority would act on in a bid to stem local outbreaks of coronavirus around the borough in the future.

Bromley Public Health published its Local Covid-19 Outbreak Control Plan earlier this week, with the document outlining how the council will work with the government, Public Health England and local organisations to help mitigate the risks of a Covid-19 spike in the borough.

The plans show what instances would trigger a flurry of action from the local authority and its partnering bodies.

Major events – such as the death of a child from Covid-19, or an outbreak linked to a public event or building in the borough – would see the issue escalated to health bodies such as the Bromley Strategic Response Group and the Health Protection Covid Board.

Both those bodies would spin into action with moves to mitigate an outbreak – which could include swift mobile or local testing and readying the local NHS for an influx of patients, while the council would also work to provide timely updates to residents.

Councillor Diane Smith, executive member for adult care and health, said the plan would help the authority tackle any spikes recorded in the borough.

She said: “We hope we will not need it, but it makes sense to have a plan in place should we be unfortunate to experience significant increases in cases in the borough.

“I applaud most residents for the way they have responded so far during the Covid-19 emergency, and hope we can all continue to play our part and keep our distance where possible to help prevent new outbreaks of Covid-19. Lives may well depend on it.”

Dr Nada Lemic, the director of Public Health for Bromley, said it was important measures put in place during the pandemic continued to be adhered to as many facets of society slowly emerge from lockdown restrictions.