 Weekly Covid-19 Statistics
The weekly case rate per 100,000 people in the borough currently sits at 1,860.4 (up to 29 January). With infection rates dramatically rising again, you may have seen in the news that Wokingham Borough currently has the third highest Covid-19 cases in the UK. As a community, we must continue to work together to bring this number down.
Remember, even if you’ve had the virus in the past, you can still catch it again, whether you’re vaccinated or not. It is important to take regular rapid tests if you do not have any Covid-19 symptoms to check you aren’t infected, and PCR tests if you are symptomatic.
Getting your first, second and booster vaccine when eligible helps to protect you from becoming seriously ill if you do test positive for Covid-19. Self-isolating if you have symptoms, test positive, or are a close contact of a positive case and aren’t fully vaccinated will help stop the spread of the virus too.
To keep up with latest Covid-19 case rates in the borough 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’ includes people who have been reinfected.
 The vaccine bus is back again
On Wednesday 9 February, the Health on the Move vaccine bus will be at the Lower Earley library from 10am to 4pm, offering first, second and booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine to over 16s. There’s no need to book an appointment in advance – simply turn up and bring proof of age.
While vaccination rates are relatively high in the borough, there are still some residents who are yet to have their jabs. If you have any concerns or questions that you haven’t been able to find the answer to, you can contact our vaccine support team on covid.info@wokingham.gov.uk.
From, pregnancy and allergies to effectiveness and long-term immunity – no question is too silly or irrelevant. Once your questions have been answered, and if you would like to have your jab, you can come along to the vaccine bus, book your first, second or booster vaccination online, or visit a nearby walk-in clinic in Bracknell or Reading.
 Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) now open to eligible businesses
To help support businesses that continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 restrictions and the spread of the Omicron variant, we have been awarded an additional amount of funding to distribute to businesses on a first come-first-serve basis.
Each business who meets the eligibility criteria will receive a one-off discretionary payment of £1,000. Payments will be made by Thursday 31 March 2022. You will need to submit evidence to demonstrate loss of demand and income and provide other information – please see the full details on our website.
 Local PCR test site in Sindlesham
If you have Covid-19 symptoms, you should book a PCR test through Gov.uk. Your nearest with availability will show when you put your details in.
There’s a PCR testing facility at Sindlesham Court throughout February. Tests are available 7 days a week between 9am – 3pm, except on Saturday 19 and 26 February when the site will be closed.
If you feel unwell and have any of the three Covid-19 symptoms, even if they’re mildly impacting your health, you should use this service:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- Lost your sense of smell or taste or they’ve changed
If you need an alternative location, you can find a PCR test site by entering your details on the Gov.uk website.
 Self-isolation support payment information
If you have tested positive for Covid-19 and are unable to work while you self-isolate, you can apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500. To be eligible you need to have:
- Been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because you have tested positive for Covid-19 or have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS Covid-19 app because you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, but you are not fully vaccinated
- Taken a confirmed PCR test BEFORE applying for a Test and Trace Support Payment. Applications cannot be accepted based on a positive Lateral Flow Test (LFT) only
To check all other eligibility requirements, including employment and benefit status and how to apply, visit our website.
Remember, from 17 January 2022, the rules around self-isolation changed. You can now end your self-isolation on day 6 if you test negative on a LFT on days 5 and 6. You must continue isolating if you have a high temperature.
 Household Support Fund is available
The Household Support Fund is a sum of money that has been given to councils to help the most vulnerable households in the coming months. We know times are financially challenging for many households right now, and we’ve distributed most of this funding to the local voluntary sector to ensure it reaches the people who need it most.
We are urging anyone who is feeling overwhelmed and in need of help to contact the One Front Door – no matter what problem you’re facing, whether it’s help paying your bills, or simply having someone to talk to, the team can help them find a way forward. Here’s how to contact them:
 Managing your waste while spending more time at home
Are you still spending more time at home because of Covid-19? Being at home more can mean that we end up with more rubbish to deal with. With that and the climate emergency, it’s more important than ever to recycle as much as we can, using the green recycling bags and the food waste caddies.
Sign up to GreenRedeem to learn more about reducing waste and increasing recycling. Membership is free and it only takes a few seconds to sign up. They will email you every week with simple steps to follow, which can help you save money and help the planet. Complete the weekly activities to earn points which can be donated to charities or win prizes.
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