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It was announced today that West Berkshire will move into Tier 3 restrictions from Saturday (19 December). Along with other restrictions, here's what you can and cannot do under Tier 3:

• You cannot meet anyone who is not in your household (or support bubble) indoors.
• You can only see family and friends you do not live with in some outdoor places, in groups of up to six people. These places are parks, playgrounds and public gardens, outdoor sports courts, allotments, beaches, the grounds of heritage sites, in forests and in countryside which is accessible to the public. You cannot meet in private gardens and other outdoor venues.
• You should work from home if possible.
• You should avoid travelling outside your area, other than where necessary (such as for work or education).
• You should reduce the number of journeys where possible and avoid car sharing with anyone who is not in your household or support bubble.
• Bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants must close, with the exception of sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery.
• Shops, gyms and personal care services (such as hairdressers) can stay open.
• Schools, colleges, university and early years settings can open.
• Entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres and indoor play centres must close.
• Leisure centres can stay open but group activities and classes should not take place.

You can find out more about the restrictions here. 

As well as the specific restrictions outlined above, residents should continue to follow the “Hands, Face, Space” advice to help reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

When meeting people you do not live with, it is important to do so outdoors where possible, or to make sure that any indoor venue has good ventilation (for example by opening windows so that fresh air can enter) - subject to the restrictions in place.

Don't forget that if you are asked to self-isolate, you cannot go outdoors and must stay at home for the required period.

More information about restrictions at the medium, high and very high tiers can be found on the Gov.uk website.

You can also stay up-to-date on restrictions where you live using the gov.uk postcode finder.

Christmas Bubbles

Between Wednesday 23 and Sunday 27 December, friends and families are allowed to create a Christmas bubble made up of people from no more than three households. During this period you can travel to meet others in your Bubble.

We have created our Christmas bubble poster to help you know about the key information from the Christmas bubble guidance. Please think carefully about whether you do form a bubble, and who with - particularly in the case of elderly or vulnerable relatives. 

Whatever you are choosing to do this Christmas, please remember to stick to the rules in order to have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Stay up-to-date by reading the full guidance on the gov.uk website.

COVID Winter Grant Scheme

Financial help continues to be available to residents.

Just under three weeks ago we launched a new COVID Winter Grant Scheme to support residents in COVID-related financial hardship until 31 March 2021.

So far we have issued more than 1,000 grants totalling £228,000 to help people pay for food, shopping, utility and water bills, and essential household supplies.

Those who currently have support from professionals such as social and care workers should work with their provider to make an application. In addition, individuals can make an online application independently. Deadline to apply: 15 March 2021.

Apply to COVID Winter Grant Scheme.

As part of the Scheme we are also making Free School Meal vouchers available for eligible 5 to 16 year old pupils during the Christmas and February school holidays (17 days in total). So far, we’ve also issued around 4,000 Free School Meals vouchers. Check with your school for more details.

Financial support for businesses

We're offering a comprehensive package of support to local businesses who have been impacted by national and local COVID-19 restrictions.

So far, we've distributed almost £1m in grants to businesses who had to close in November, with further funding being issued every day to those in need. We have also issued £150,000 of grants to those who may not have had to close but who have seen a significant loss of trade as a result of the national and local restrictions.

Financial support continues to be available to businesses including:

• The Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) for hospitality and leisure businesses who may open but whose income is likely to be significantly impacted by the current restrictions.
• A flat rate £1000 grant to pubs who can demonstrate that 50% or more of their income derives from the sale of alcoholic beverages. To supplement this grant, West Berkshire Council will match this grant from its own funds to help businesses through what would usually be their busiest trading time.

Visit our website for more information about the help available to businesses.

Facebook Live event - 18 December

Join us on Facebook tomorrow (Friday 18 December) where Council Leader Lynne Doherty and Head of Public Health Matt Pearce will be answering your questions.

They will provide an update on our continued response to the pandemic with a particular focus on Christmas Bubbles and staying safe over the Christmas period. 

The live update begins at 5pm on our Facebook Page. If you are unable to follow the event, you can email in your questions in advance. 

The video will remain available to watch on the Facebook page after the event, and will also be available on the Council’s YouTube channel.

Community Support Hub

Don't forget that our Community Support Hub is here to people who need extra assistance due to the impact of coronavirus. If you need support contact the Community Support Hub by phone on 01635 503579, by email, or via our online form. 

The Community Support Hub is open during office hours between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday.

Read the latest Coronavirus Weeknote

Each week our Leader and Chief Executive write a column about our response to the coronavirus update.

Many of you will have already seen the news that West Berkshire, like many other parts of the country, will be moved up to Tier 3 (Very High Alert) from Saturday 19^th December.

For much of the autumn the number of Covid cases here in West Berkshire has remained relatively low - lower than the national and regional averages and among the lowest in Berkshire.

That was until a week ago when the number of confirmed cases began to increase at a concerning rate. On 5^th December our seven-day rate of Covid cases was 58.7 cases per 100,000 people but it has since risen to 158.4 cases as of the 11th December. It's an increase of 172% which is among the largest across the South East and shows how quickly things can change. Hospital admissions have also increased by around a third across the region which is also likely to have played a part in the decision to place Berkshire in Tier 3.

You can read the full Coronavirus Weeknote here. 

Top tips for staying safe this Christmas

Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms so will be spreading the virus without realising. We must all take action to protect each other and our hospital capacity by reducing transmission rate during the winter months and particularly during the Christmas holidays.

We have created this hints and tips poster which provides advice for those mixing indoors to open windows and keep rooms well ventilated. The poster also covers the importance of continuing to follow the main Public Health guidance of "Hands, Face, Space," and requesting a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.