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There has been a small increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Bracknell Forest over the past few days.
The council can confirm that these cases are all linked to young people and so we are today urging youngsters and their parents to ensure they are playing their part and protecting themselves, their family, friends and borough by remaining vigilant and keeping up with good health and hygiene practices.
We can confirm that all those young people in Bracknell Forest schools*, who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact, are now self-isolating for 14 days.
If you have children, you must help to keep schools open and running smoothly, by ensuring your child does not attend school if they or anyone in their household has symptoms of COVID-19. Instead, follow the guidance on self-isolation and book a free test, either online or by calling 119. If they do not fall into this category, they should attend school as normal.
It is also imperative that young people follow all social distancing rules when out socialising. It doesn’t matter where they go to meet friends, they must keep their distance from others.
Remember, if you’re meeting friends at home, only two households can do so at the same time. If you’re meeting outside, you can meet up to six people from different households, but you must keep your distance from those you don’t live with.
Most new cases are being seen in young people in their late teens and early 20s. While they are statistically less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, they can still spread it. This means they could infect older relatives, friends or those in higher risk groups, whose symptoms could be severe.
PHE Medical Director, Yvonne Doyle, has echoed the warnings to young people by saying:
“We can see that the majority of new cases are in young people in their late teens and early 20s.
“What we don’t want to see is a continuing increase of cases in this age group because it could lead to them infecting their parents and grandparents who are much more at risk from the virus.
“It is vital that they follow social distancing rules, wash their hands regularly and wear a face covering in enclosed spaces.”
Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, Chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said:
“This small increase is a timely reminder that the virus has not gone away, and we all need to do our bit to protect ourselves and the wider community to keep the borough open.
“This includes regular hand washing, social distancing, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and on public transport and avoiding large crowds and gatherings.
“If you have COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of where you have been in the community, you must self-isolate immediately and get tested via the NHS Test and Trace system. If you are contacted by test and trace it’s also vital for the health and safety of our community that you follow their guidelines and self-isolate when instructed.”
Notes: *There have been positive cases and close contacts identified at the following Bracknell Forest schools: Edgbarrow, Brakenhale and Garth Hill College. Schools have been in direct contact with parents and carers and will continue to keep their community updated.
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