 Weekly Covid-19 statistics
The weekly case rate per 100,000 people in the borough currently sits at 1,509.1 (up to 7 January). As infection rates remain high, please continue to follow the guidelines and public health advice to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
As a reminder, Plan B rules are still in place, these include:
- Working from home if you can
- Wearing a face covering on public transport and in public places where it is mandatory to do so
- Showing your Covid status to get into nightclubs and large events
Please note these measures will be reviewed by Central Government on 26 January, but until then we must continue to follow them. It’s also important to wash your hands regularly and let fresh air in when meeting indoors.
Remember, if you want to track the infection rates in the local area and neighbouring authorities, visit the Berkshire Public Health website.
 It’s time to get boosted
If it’s been 3 months since your second vaccination, you are now due to get your third. The booster jab helps to improve the protection you have from your first two doses of the vaccine. It also gives you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from Covid-19.
Those eligible for the booster vaccine include:
- People aged 18 or over
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Those aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts you at high risk of seriously illness from Covid-19
For a full list of who can get the Booster vaccine and to book your appointment, visit the NHS website.
Not had your first two doses? It’s not too late.
There is so much to look forward to this year – holidays, festivals, weddings, and just generally being together again.
If you’ve put off getting your first or second vaccine, now is the time. Everybody over 12 years old is now eligible, so please encourage those around you to get vaccinated when the time calls.
Nobody going for their first or second jab will be questioned about why they haven’t had it until now. The friendly staff will just be happy to see you and glad that you’ve decided to get protected.
There are local walk-in sites in Bracknell and Reading where you can get your first, second or booster jab. Simply find your nearest, or you can book and manage your appointment and those of the people you care for on the NHS website.
 Test for a safe and healthy 2022
With the new year upon us, it’s vital that we approach it optimistically as we look towards 2022. Keep safe and healthy by continuing to test for Covid-19 and preventing the spread of the virus onto others. You should:
- Take a PCR test if you feel unwell and have Covid-19 symptoms. PCR tests can be booked through the Gov.uk website.
- Take rapid lateral flow tests regularly if you are not experiencing any symptoms. This helps to identify asymptomatic cases which would have gone unnoticed and helps to stop the spread. To find a local rapid testing site and check opening hours visit our website.
Remember, if you test positive for Covid-19 on a rapid lateral test you do not need to confirm this result by taking a PCR test anymore. You will still need to self-isolate and report your positive result on the Gov.uk website.
From Monday 17 January, people with negative tests on days five and six of self-isolation can leave self-isolation from the start of day six. This means people will now only need to isolate for five full days (providing they test negative). Until then, self-isolation is at least seven days, with people ending isolation after two negative lateral flow tests on days six and seven.
 What are the symptoms of long Covid?
Long Covid is a term used to describe the long-term effects of having Covid-19 that last for weeks and months after the initial infection.
Most people who have Covid-19 don’t become severely ill and get better relatively quickly. However, some will develop long-term problems after recovering from the original infection, even if they weren’t ill in the first place. According to the NHS, Long Covid symptoms can include:
- Extreme tiredness
- Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain or tightness
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Changes to taste and smell
- Joint pain
We’ve created this document to help you to identify the symptoms of Long Covid, the support available and measure you can take to help reduces your chances of getting Long Covid.
 Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant now available
We’re pleased to announce that the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme is now available to eligible businesses in Wokingham Borough. This is a one-off grant from Central Government for organisations in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sector that have been most impacted by the Omicron variant. The level of grant depends on your business’ rateable value:
- Properties with a Rateable Value of £15,000 or less will receive a one-off payment of £2,667
- Properties with a Rateable Value over £15,000 but less than £51,000 will receive a one-off payment of £4,000
- Properties with a Rateable Value of £51,000 or over will receive a one-off payment of £6,000
Please check the criteria on our website before applying, as there are specific eligibility requirements and information you need to upload onto your application form. The link to the application form can also be found on this webpage. Applications will close on Monday 28 February – unfortunately no late applications will be accepted.
Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)
We have also secured limited additional ARG funding from Central Government to continue to support businesses most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Omicron variant. We are currently setting up the application process. Please keep reviewing our website for further details and information how to apply.
Blue Monday – help is here
Monday 17 January marks Blue Monday, which is recognised as the most depressing day of the year. Every year, Blue Monday falls on the third Monday in January and is considered the gloomiest because of heightened post-Christmas blues and cold, dark, wintery feels. With that comes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression linked to the change in seasons.
We are urging residents who are struggling with their emotional and mental health to know that they are not alone. Help and support is available in the community. Our website offers links to local and national helplines; from bereavement to mental health support, whatever you are struggling with we are here to help.
Remember, you can also refer yourself or someone you know to One Front Door, this service provides tailored support to your individual needs and will point you in the right direction for further assistance.
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