 Your weekly Covid-19 statistics
The weekly Covid-19 case rate in the borough is 266.8 per 100,000 (up to 11 September). With cases still high and circulating in the community, it’s important to continue testing regularly. If you have no symptoms take regular lateral flow tests (LFTs) to check you aren’t infected.
Our mobile testing unit will be at the British Legion in Arborfield on Wednesday 22 September (8am to 2.15pm) and Henry Street Garden Centre in Arborfield on Friday 24 September (10am to 4.15pm), so pop along to get tested or collect home testing kits if you’re in the area. You can find other lateral flow testing sites in the borough, on our website.
Remember, LFTs shouldn’t be used as a diagnosis tool if you’re feeling unwell. If you have symptoms book a PCR test through the Gov.uk website here.
 Covid-19 vaccine bus returns this Sunday
The Covid-19 vaccine bus will be returning to Bulmershe School in Woodley on Sunday 19 September. First doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available on a first come first served basis to all eligible residents over the age of 16, with second doses also available to over 18s.
Simply turn up between 11-4pm with proof of age and your vaccine card if coming for your second dose. You need to have at least an 8-week gap since your first jab and have the same vaccine for both doses. If you’re ready for your second dose of Moderna or AstraZeneca, you can book in for this through the NHS website. To find alternative walk-in vaccine centres, please visit the NHS website.
Central Government has announced that the Covid-19 booster vaccines will start across the UK next week. Those eligible to receive their jab include the over-50s, younger adults with health conditions and frontline health and care workers. The NHS will lead on the rollout, and we will support in any way we can – please keep an eye out for further updates.
 Are you struggling? Visit our online Local Support Hub
The pandemic has hit many people hard – but no-one should have to suffer in silence. If you or someone you know is struggling to keep on top of finances; including household bills, Council Tax payments, rent and other expenses, head to our Local Support Hub for help.
The hub also signposts to other support, including help if you’re struggling with your mental health, and access to free school meals and uniform for your children. Whatever your needs are, find out how we can help you by visiting it now.
 Reminder of self-isolation rules
The rules around self-isolation remain and should be followed to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Please ensure you are listening to advice from local and national Test and Trace teams, and that you understand what the rules are:
- Fully vaccinated people and under 18s are not required to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive, however they are encouraged to take a PCR test and isolate for 10 days if they receive a positive result
- Over 18s who are not fully vaccinated need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of a positive case, and if they test positive
- If you’ve had your second vaccination within the last two weeks, you must still self-isolate if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
For details of what a ‘contact’ and self-isolation means visit Gov.uk or the NHS website
 Attend the Volunteer Recruitment Fair
Throughout the pandemic, our voluntary sector has played a crucial role in supporting our communities, and there are so many benefits to volunteering. If you want to make a difference in the borough, the Wokingham Volunteer Centre is running a Volunteer Recruitment Fair at Wokingham Town Hall on Saturday 25 September between 11-2pm.
With businesses starting to resume their full services, many volunteering opportunities have become available including charity shop work, fundraising, gardening, event organisation, administration, social media, marketing, plus so much more.
The fair is open to all residents and it’s a great chance to meet the borough’s local charities. No matter your stage in life, you can choose to volunteer, so save the date or search volunteering opportunities here.
 Sign up for newsletters launching soon
We’re expanding the number of regular email newsletters we send out and will start to include bulletins covering new areas launching next month.
The latest on our sports and leisure facilities and events will be coming to your inbox once a month, as will Infrastructure News which will provide the latest on community facilities under construction including schools, new roads, play areas, community centres and much more.
Our What’s On newsletter will cover events taking place across the area each fortnight, covering our country parks, libraries, sports, and other teams across the council. Family First will be a monthly update for those with young children in the area, while our countryside newsletter will cover the best of our green and outdoor areas. If any of these takes your fancy, you can sign up here.
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