 In today’s Weeknotes Council Leader Lynne Doherty and Chief Executive Nick Carter remember those who have lost their lives over the past year, and those who are still grieving for loved ones. They also look at community safety, and discuss the creation of a new Safer Streets Champion and developments in the approach to tackling domestic abuse.
 On Monday, 29 March at 6pm, we will be holding our fortnightly public Local Outbreak Engagement Board meeting to discuss how we are controlling the spread of Covid-19 in West Berkshire.
 Rate-paying businesses re-opening after lockdown may be eligible to receive a Restart Grant. If you’ve received a grant from us before, and are eligible, payment will be automatic. Only apply if you’ve not received a grant from us under previous schemes.
Watch our short video on our YouTube channel for information:
 If you missed our free, 30 minute Budget Briefing webinar on 12 March, hosted by Council Leader Lynne Doherty, you can see a replay (link below). The session covered highlights of both the Government's and our Council budgets, including our business investments planned for 2021/22. The webinar also covered additional funding for eligible businesses to support their recovery from the pandemic.
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 Free workplace testing deadline fast approaching
All businesses, including those with less than 50 employees, have until 31 March to register their interest in free workplace testing twice a week and order free lateral flow tests (LFTs) for their employees. This test is not to be used with anyone who has symptoms.
Who can book a lateral flow test at our Community Testing sites
Our community testing sites use lateral flow tests to help identify people who may be infected with Covid-19, but don't have any symptoms.
We are still encouraging those self-employed and small businesses (with 50 or under employees) to visit one of our four community testing sites. Residents are also welcome to book a test as long as they have a valid reason to travel or interact with others.
Please ensure that you use Google Chrome, Edge, Safari and not Internet Explorer to complete your booking.
Please note: If you have Covid-19 symptoms please do not book a lateral flow test. Instead, you need to book a Covid-19 test by either calling 119 or visiting: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
Community Testing operating hours for Easter Week
Our community testing site operating hours will change in some instances from Monday, 29 March to Monday, 5 April 2021, and after that time for certain days at the Burghfield Community Sports Association and Hungerford Rugby Football Club testing sites.
Community Collect update
West Berkshire schools will be issuing a letter very soon to parents, which will stress the importance of following Covid-19 rules and provide information on Community Collect (lateral flow testing at home for parents and support bubbles of children at nurseries, schools and colleges). Parents are currently welcome to book a lateral flow test appointment at one of our four testing sites until they feel confident enough to go through the process of lateral flow testing at home or alternatively order their own home testing kits from GOV.UK.
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Inaccurate claims about the #COVIDVaccine can circulate quickly— stop the spread of #FalseInformation. Check before you share.
The NHS is the best source of information about the Covid-19 vaccine - find more information here
You can also obtain reliable vaccine information from the Public Health Berkshire website.
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Over 50s are urged to book the Covid-19 vaccine
If you are aged 50 or over you can now book your vaccine appointment with the NHS, even if you have not yet received a letter from your GP. In order to have the vaccine you must be registered with a GP surgery in England. If you are not yet eligible, the NHS will inform you by letter when it's your turn to book.
NHS updates information on Covid-19 vaccine booking process
The NHS has recently updated information on vaccination appointments and how they can be booked at either a vaccination centre or community pharmacy. There are also details on personal information that you are required to provide, such as your date of birth, in order to complete the booking process. Please remember, the NHS will tell you when it is your turn to get the Covid-19 vaccination.
 West Berkshire has an eggstraordinary array of independent shops selling eggactly what you need to enjoy the Easter Bank Holiday - including chocolate eggs, delicious food and gifts that are too good to give away. To help you to choose fabulous Easter holiday meals and gifts, here are a handful of ideas provided by local residents.
Support local businesses through lockdown – and as they reopen. When you find something you like – don’t keep it to yourself – add a comment on our Facebook page where you see our ‘Shop Local’ posts.
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