 Plan B measures introduced to slow spread of Omicron variant
Following the rapid spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant in the UK, Central Government has announced that the following Plan B measures will be put in place:
- From 10 December, face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, other than hospitality
- From 13 December, you should work from home if you can
- From 15 December, the NHS Covid Pass will be mandatory in specific settings, using a negative test or full vaccination via the NHS Covid App
Evidence suggests Omicron spreads faster than the Delta variant, so it’s critical that everyone remains cautious and follows this guidance, as well as best-practice public health advice.
This includes rapid testing before social events and meeting outdoors or letting fresh air in if meeting inside. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms must also isolate and get a PCR test immediately to avoid infecting others.
 Get vaccinated, get boosted, get protected
On top of the above measures, we need everyone who is eligible for their first, second, or booster jab to come forward for it. Anyone who isn’t vaccinated is at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell and needing hospital treatment.
You can pre-book a booster dose of the vaccine if it's been 2 months (61 days) since your 2nd dose and you're aged 40 or over, aged 16 or over and have a health condition that puts you at high risk from Covid-19, or you’re a frontline health and social care worker.
Please note that the mass vaccination site in Broad Street Mall, Reading, is currently NOT accepting walk-ins. This is so it can prioritise pre-booked booster appointments. You can book an appointment instead through the NHS website.
 Weekly Covid-19 statistics
The weekly case rate per 100,000 people in the borough currently sits at 658.3 (up to 4 December). This is much higher than the average for England, but is in line with the trend for the South East.
According to data up to 26 November, weekly case rates show the three highest rates are in people aged 5 to 9 (1,866 per 100k), 10 to 14 (1,631 per 100k) and 40 to 44 (1,241 per 100k).
Keep up with the latest data for Wokingham Borough and the surrounding local authorities on the Berkshire Public Health website.
 Out this weekend? Enjoy your festivities safely
Whether you’re out with friends, family, colleagues, or anyone else this weekend, take precautions to avoid catching or spreading Covid-19. This includes:
- Taking a lateral flow test before meeting others, to check you aren’t unknowingly infected
- Wearing a face covering where it’s mandatory (and choosing to wear one in crowded places where you come into close contact with others)
- Letting fresh air in if you are meeting people inside and washing your hands regularly
- Staying home if you don’t feel well – please book a PCR test if you have Covid-19 symptoms
For more help and advice, please visit our Covid-19 webpages, where you’ll find information on where to get your rapid tests, how to stay safe during the pandemic, support if you need to self-isolate, and more.
 Help is here if you’re struggling
We know that the never-ending nature of the pandemic can be overwhelming, particularly as new variants emerge. Please remember that help is here if you need it.
One Front Door was set-up at the start of the pandemic to support Wokingham Borough residents, and the team can connect you with the help you need.
Whether you need help paying your bills, you’re worried about your mental health, or you just want someone to talk to, contact One Front Door by visiting the website, emailing contact@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk, or by phoning 0808 278 7958.
The phone lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
 Support to schools this autumn term
There’s just one week to go until the end of term, and our Children’s Covid-19 Taskforce have been working closely with headteachers to keep children in education and keep Covid out.
We are calling upon the parent and guardian community to be understanding of decisions made by our local schools. Within an educational setting the safeguarding of children is the school’s responsibility and headteachers work to put the children’s best interest at the heart of everything they do.
Read more about the support we’re giving to schools, and the role you can play in keeping children and young people safe, on our news site.
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