 Weekly Covid case rates
The current weekly case rate per 100,000 people in the borough is 273.1 (up to August 14). This means that transmission rates are still high, and Covid-19 is spreading among us. With around 40,000 residents still not double vaccinated, the risk of catching or passing on the virus remains.
We need to continue doing what we can to stop the spread; testing, staying cautious in public spaces, wearing face coverings if we choose to and getting vaccinated. These collective efforts all go a long way in curbing the spread of Covid-19, so let’s carry on the fight.
Keep up to date with all the latest Covid-19 statistics for Wokingham Borough and our neighbouring local authorities by visiting the Berkshire Public Health website.
 The vaccine bus is coming to Bulmershe School
The NHS ‘Health on the Move’ Covid-19 vaccine bus will be at Bulmershe School next week, offering first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
The vaccine bus will be open from 1pm to 6pm on Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Friday 27 August; and 11am to 4pm on Saturday 28 August. There’s no need to book in advance – simply turn up on the day with proof of age and get vaccinated.
All eligible residents are encouraged to come forward and get vaccinated if they have not done so already. Anyone unable to get a jab on these dates can still book their first or second dose of the vaccine through the NHS website.
 Get into the habit of testing regularly
As Covid-19 case rates in the borough continue to increase, residents are encouraged to make regular testing a habit by taking a FREE Lateral Flow Test (LFT) if they have no symptoms, to check they aren’t infected.
Regular testing is important because it helps to identify cases of Covid-19 that would have otherwise been missed. Statistics reveal that 1 in 3 people who are infected with Covid-19 do not have any symptoms, meaning they’ll spread it unknowingly.
Visit our website for test centre locations and opening hours. You can order a home-testing kit through Gov.uk, collect them from a local pharmacy or pick-up them up from our static or mobile test centres.
 Continuing to support self-isolating residents as rules change
We are continuing to support self-isolating residents, despite the changes to national rules which were implemented on 16 August. Our comprehensive Track and Trace programme saw us make 3,364 successful calls to self-isolating residents between January and July, supporting them to stay home and curb the spread of the virus.
The new rules state that if you have been double-vaccinated you do not need to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive for Covid-19. However, you are encouraged to take a PCR test, and if it’s positive, you are required to self-isolate for 10 days.
Read the full news story on our website for more details about the new self-isolation rules and how we’re helping residents.
 Pregnant and thinking about getting jabbed?
If you’re pregnant or know someone who is, you may be having thoughts about when is the ‘best’ time to get the Covid-19 vaccination during the pregnancy cycle. In this NHS video, Dr Brenda Kelly, Consultant Obstetrician explains that the vaccine should work at any stage of the pregnancy, and there’s no need to delay getting the vaccine until before or after conception.
Pregnant women, or anyone trying to get pregnant, should consider discussing the benefits and risks of having the vaccine with a healthcare preprofessional; and reach a joint decision based on individual circumstances.
 Do you know a Covid-19 hero?
We are giving you the opportunity to nominate people and groups in your local community who have gone above and beyond to help the community during the pandemic.
We have received some fantastic nominations so far; people who have helped their neighbours with food shopping and prescription collection; charities who have supported individuals; groups which have held video calls for residents experiencing loneliness; and much more.
Whatever it is that you think is worth honouring, we want to hear it. Visit our website for more information and to get nominating.
How Covid-19 is affecting our services
Advice and help for local businesses during Covid-19
Public Health England and Department of Health and Social Care guidance
NHS England advice on Covid-19
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