My question to tomorrow’s Health Committee

I’ve sent this question in to Cambridgeshire County Council’s Health Committee, which meets at 1:30PM tomorrow (Thursday 14 October).

“The period between now and the beginning of December sees a number of annual community events, all of which will be affected in some way this year by COVID-19 and whatever restrictions and guidance are in place at the time in the interests of public health. Residents are seeking advice and information from their councillors on what they can and cannot do, and on safe alternatives to enable as much normality and celebration as possible at what is for many a very bleak time. The best time to have offered this information was a month ago, when residents began planning for these events. The second best time is now.

• Halloween (31 October): I asked on 23 September whether the Public Health team, the council’s Communications team, and the local police could provide advice and positive suggestions for local communities on how they can enable some form of safe Halloween activity to replace the usual ‘trick or treating’ which would be unwise this year. Advice and suggestions are now urgently needed, with individuals and local communities unclear on what they might be able to do in just two weeks’ time, and whether their alternative ideas are as COVID-safe as they hope they are. When will advice and ideas be forthcoming?
• Bonfire Night (5 November): my question to the Fire Authority at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 13 October elicited a helpful answer for which I thank the Fire Authority, and I am pleased to see that its publicity campaign on bonfire and firework safety began the same day. There is clearly a danger that with professional and large community events cancelled, more bonfires and firework displays will take place in people’s gardens, with the resulting risks to people and property. What are the Public Health team and other appropriate parts of the local COVID planning system doing to support this campaign?
• Remembrance (11 November): the marking of Remembrance by means of large public gatherings is often led by local faith organisations, but with a strong civic and armed forces component. What advice has been given to these local groups and organisations, and how is this being shared with councillors and with the public more widely?

Finally, I’m aware that most cities and towns have cancelled their Christmas lights switch-on events and some have moved them online.”