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Coronavirus Weeknote #39

"It has been another eventful week in the response to Covid-19 with plenty to be getting to grips with both nationally and locally. In the past few days we have seen a move out of lockdown and into the High Alert Level, approval for a new coronavirus vaccine and new measures to support our high streets - as well as plenty of debate about what might happen when the tiers are next reviewed. Undoubtedly the biggest change this week has been the move from a month-long lockdown into Tier 2 restrictions. Although we have been placed in the middle tier of restrictions the data locally shows that in West Berkshire we are moving in the right direction."

Read the latest Weeknote from the Leader and Chief Executive in full on our website.

Covid-19: local cases data

You can find the latest information about the number of coronavirus cases in West Berkshire and beyond on the Public Health for Berkshire website.

Separately, you can also view the local Covid-19 middle super outbreak area data from within West Berkshire.

Public Local Outbreak Engagement Board meeting

On Monday we will be holding our fortnightly public Local Outbreak Engagement Board (LOEB) meeting at 6pm to discuss how we are controlling the spread of Covid-19 in West Berkshire.   This meeting will include an update on local tier levels, local contact tracing and more.  You can watch the meeting and view the agenda here.

Reminder - Free public car parking dates in December

Now that we can all visit shops, cafes and restaurants again (in a Covid-safe manner), we are delighted to offer FREE parking on selected dates this month.

Watch Lynne Doherty, Leader of the Council, announce our free parking days.

As a reminder, free car parking will be available in the Council's car parks throughout the day on:

• Hungerford Market Day - Wednesdays 9, 16 December
• Newbury Market Day - Thursdays 10, 17 December
• Thatcham Market Day - Fridays 11, 18 December
• Pangbourne - Thursdays 10, 17 December
• Theale - Thursdays 10, 17 December
• All Council-run car parks - 21 to 25 December
• Council's staff car park in Market Street, Newbury - every weekend in December starting 12-13 December

See more details about the free car parking.

Supporting small local businesses this Saturday

Small Business Saturday is back again on 5 December, providing a great opportunity to support our amazing small businesses and shop local, after its huge popularity last year.

Now more than ever our local small businesses need our help, so we’re encouraging as many of you to go out and support them this weekend and over the festive period. Whether you order online, recommend to a friend or leave a positive review, we can all do our part and help. Covid-19 safety precautions are in place to protect members of the public as well as shop employees.

Great rewards are available for shoppers on the day. 

We've been highlighting several local businesses on our social media accounts and showing you different ways you can support them this year and every year. Stay in touch with our Facebook page to see videos of local shop owners.

Help shape our new Health and Wellbeing Service Strategy

Take part in our survey with a chance to win £100 shopping voucher

Every three years we produce a health and wellbeing strategy together with the NHS in support of our communities.

Covid-19 has had a huge impact on everyone’s lives which means this work is now more crucial than ever. Therefore, we have teamed up with Reading and Wokingham councils to produce a health and wellbeing strategy covering the whole of Berkshire West. Together we have already done a lot of background work to understand the needs of our residents.

Now we are keen to invite you to tell us how you feel and what you think we should be focusing on during the next decade.

You can join the conversation via an online survey on our website

For everyone who completes this survey, there is the chance to enter a draw to win a £100 shopping voucher.  If you would like to enter the draw, please leave your email address when prompted at the end of the survey.

The final strategy is due to published early next year.  If you have any queries about this survey, please contact berkshirewestwellbeing@gmail.com

Stay Well This Winter – Flu Vaccine Update

It is very important to get vaccinated this winter. The flu can be far more serious than you think, especially if you have a long term health condition or are over 65. With COVID-19 it is now more important than ever that eligible groups are vaccinated. This year, if you are living with someone who is on the NHS Shielded Patient List or you are aged 50 - 64, you are also eligible for a free flu vaccine. If you are aged 50 – 64 your GP should be writing to shortly. If you’re eligible, please speak to your GP or local Pharmacy to find out when you can expect to book your flu jab. If you’re not sure if you are eligible for a free flu jab speak to your GP. See additional information on the Flu vaccine.

And finally...

If you, or any resident you know, may need financial support due to COVID, please apply to the COVID Winter Grant Scheme which will run until 31 March 2021. Please have your supporting documents ready for the online application process. Deadline: 15 March 2021

The deadline to get involved in our Community Santa gift giving campaign is Monday 7 December. These gifts will be donated to people in our communities who have experienced hardships due to Covid-19. View and select a gift tag.