 Weekly Covid-19 statistics
The weekly case rate per 100,000 people in the borough currently sits at 1,447 (up to 22 January). We must stress that case rates are still very high, particularly in school age children. We are asking for your patience with schools as they navigate rising cases as it can impact on staff levels. Thank you everyone for your ongoing support and continued commitment in choosing to keep yourselves and those around you safe by wearing face coverings, maintaining distances, and following guidance.
While some rules have been relaxed this week, it is vital that we continue to play our part in driving down case numbers. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or not, regular testing is still important. Getting vaccinated and self-isolating when necessary is also key to protecting ourselves and those around us.
To keep up with Covid-19 case rates in the local area and neighbouring authorities, visit the Berkshire Public Health website. If you follow the data relating to Covid-19 cases within the borough, either on Gov.uk or on the Berkshire Public Health website, please note that from 31 January, the number of ‘all Covid-19 cases reported in England’ will include people who have been reinfected.
 The vaccine bus is back next week
Everyone over the age of 16 is eligible for their first, second, or booster doses. 12–15-year-olds can also get the first two doses. If you haven’t come forward yet, it’s never too late. If you had the virus recently, you need to wait 28 days from the initial infection.
While we are proud of the overall uptake of vaccinations in the borough, there are still pockets of groups and communities that are yet to have the vaccine. Getting vaccinated now will reduce your risk of becoming ill with the virus and your chances of getting Long Covid; it also helps slow the spread and will protect you from different variants.
We are pleased to announce that the NHS Health on the Move vaccine bus is coming back to the borough next week. Over 16s can come and get their first, second, or booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine on:
- Monday 31 January, at the Finchampstead Baptist Church (FBC) Centre (RG40 4ES) – 10am to 4pm
- Tuesday 1 February, at the Wokingham Library (RG40 2BB) – 10am to 4pm
No appointment necessary – just turn up with proof of age and your vaccine card if coming for your second dose, or booster. You can also get vaccinated at a local mass vaccination centre in Bracknell or Reading, or at a community pharmacy. Book an appointment or find a walk-in site.
 Take part in the Covid-19 drug trial
If you’ve recently tested positive for Covid-19 and had symptoms develop in the previous five days, you are being urged to participate in a study of a life-saving treatment for Covid-19. The study is open to volunteers over 50 and young adults between 18-49 years old, with underlying health conditions, who will be given pills to take at home.
The study will help decide how antiviral drugs will be used in the NHS and give doctors an idea of the potential benefits to vaccinated patients. The pill being used in the Panoramic trial is Molnupiravir and is made by Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD).
You can sign up on the study website to volunteer or your GP may contact you to ask you to participate if you test positive for Covid-19.
 Have your say on our draft Anti-Poverty Strategy
We’re asking people who live or work in Wokingham Borough to give their thoughts on our draft Anti-Poverty Strategy, which has been developed in partnership with the Hardship Alliance; a group of four local charities – First Days, Citizens Advice Wokingham, AgeUK Berkshire and Wokingham United Charities.
The strategy’s core objectives include prevention, supporting people in poverty, strengthening communities in their resilience to poverty and improving life opportunities for people living in poverty. It will be underpinned by an annual action plan to address the immediate impacts felt by residents, and to ultimately move more people out of poverty.
The consultation survey is running until 11.59pm on Monday 21 February, via the Engage Wokingham Borough platform. Views of Town and Parish Councils, voluntary sector organisations and professionals supporting people who face financial hardship are also welcomed.
 Self-isolation rules are still in place
It is still a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19, or if you are a close contact of a positive case and are not fully vaccinated.
Central Government has said that this will be reviewed in March. As policy changes, we will keep you informed with the most up-to-date guidance in this newsletter and on our social media feeds. For now, please remember that:
- If you test positive, you usually have to self-isolate for 10 full days. You may be able to leave self-isolation after 5 full days if you test negative on a lateral flow test on days 5 and 6, and don’t have a high temperature
- If you are a close contact of a positive case, are over 18 and are not fully vaccinated, you are legally required to self-isolate
- Your first day of isolation is day 0. This is the day that your symptoms start, or the day of your positive test
- You might need to self-isolate for longer if you get symptoms while self-isolating or your symptoms do not go away
Full guidance on self-isolation is available on the NHS website. If you are self-isolating because you’ve tested positive for Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has and you aren’t fully vaccinated, you could be entitled to receive a self-isolation support payment of £500. To find out your eligibility please visit our website.
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