 Latest Covid-19 updates
The Covid-19 situation is moving at pace, following the spread of the Omicron variant in England. There have been multiple announcements from Central Government in recent weeks, and we know it can be difficult to keep up with these.
For the latest information locally and nationally, please keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter feeds, or visit the Covid-19 page on the Gov.uk website.
Up-to-date Covid-19 case rates and other statistics for Wokingham Borough and our neighbouring local authorities can be found on the Berkshire Public Health website.
We want to take this opportunity to thank all our residents who have kept the borough going this year – particularly in the last few weeks. The hard work of all of you – especially teachers and school staff – has not gone unnoticed and we hope you manage to have a good break this festive season.
 Enjoying your festivities safely
Viruses like Covid-19 and flu can spread rapidly when we’re crowded together indoors. It’s important to take precautions to avoid catching or spreading the virus over the Christmas period – particularly if you’re spending time with more vulnerable people. This includes:
- Take a lateral flow test before seeing others, to check you aren’t infected
- If you are meeting inside, let fresh air in by opening windows and doors
- If possible, try to meet outside where Covid-19 particles can blow away
- Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and using sanitiser
- Wear a face covering in public indoor places and public transport, where it is mandatory
- Book a PCR test if you’re feeling unwell and have symptoms
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell to help protect others
- Self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19, or if you have not had two vaccines and are a close contact of a case
- Take daily lateral flow tests for seven days if you are a close contact of a positive case and are double vaccinated
Let’s spread Christmas cheer – not Covid-19. More information on staying safe during the pandemic is available on our website.
 Update on Covid-19 vaccines
On Monday (13 December), the Covid-19 Booster programme opened up to everyone aged 30 and over, and it is now also open to people aged 18 to 29, following an update on Wednesday (15 December).
We understand residents are keen to get their Covid-19 Booster as soon as possible, and it is very important to do so – especially as immunity to the virus can wane over time. The NHS booking system is currently facing extremely high demand and is now operating a queueing system.
Please be patient while the local integrated care system works on significantly accelerating the vaccination programme and increasing the availability of appointments. You may also be contacted by your GP. As a local authority, we are helping in any way we can, but we do not run the programme.
If you're unable to book, please try again later. Remember, if you haven’t had your first or second dose yet, it’s not too late. You can still book in through the NHS website, or find a nearby walk-in site.
 Where to get your rapid tests
Demand for lateral flow tests is currently high, following an update from Central Government that close contacts of positive cases should take a daily rapid test for seven days if they are double jabbed and not required to self-isolate.
If you aren’t able to order home testing kits through Gov.uk, please try again at a different time as supplies are refreshed throughout the day. Alternatively, you can collect them from your local pharmacy, and we do have packs available for collection at our community sites. We are monitoring supply and will post any important updates on our Covid-19 testing webpage.
 In case you missed it
- From Friday 10 December, face coverings are required in most indoor public places, and on public transport
- From Monday 13 December, you should work from home if you can
- From Tuesday 14 December, double jabbed contacts of a Covid-19 case should take a daily lateral flow test for seven days. Those not fully vaccinated should continue to self-isolate for 10 days
- From Wednesday 15 December, Covid Passes will be required in certain places where large crowds gather
The full guidance is available on the Gov.uk website.
 Festive updates
There'll be a slightly longer gap until our next update as we pause our email newsletters over the festive break.
You'll get your next Covid Community Information Champion update on 6 January 2022, unless there is any urgent information we need to communicate before then.
We'll still be sending updates out on rubbish and recycling so you can keep track of bin day and recycle as much as possible this Christmas. Sign up using the button below.
 Useful links
Dedicated Covid-19 pages on our website
Latest stats for Wokingham Borough via the Covid-19 Dashboard
How Covid-19 is affecting our services
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