 High Covid case rates in the borough
Covid-19 case rates remain high in the borough and are highest in school-age children and their parents. We continue to work closely with local schools to encourage staff, parents, and pupils to test regularly with Lateral Flow Tests so we can identify people who are infected but have no symptoms and maximise PCR testing amongst residents that do display symptoms.
Remember, anyone can catch the virus and anyone can spread it. While Omicron has resulted in a lower hospitalisation and death rate than previous variants, it can still make some people very sick. The vaccine is what helps make this sickness less serious.
We encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for their vaccination. In addition, regular rapid testing if you have no symptoms, taking a PCR test if you have symptoms and following self-isolation guidance if you test positive remain extremely important (guidance on isolation has not yet changed); as do social distancing measures such as wearing a face covering in busy and crowded indoor places, and washing your hands regularly.
 Tested positive in December? Get boosted now!
Everyone would like to see the back of the pandemic, and as things slowly return to normal, it is important that we don’t lose sight of what protects us from the virus. If you tested positive in December and were unable to get your booster, it’s now time to come forward for it (28 days from when you tested positive).
Everyone aged 16 and over who had a 2nd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago can get a booster dose. The booster helps improve the protection you have from your first 2 doses of the vaccine and gives you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from Covid-19.
There are lots of different places where you can get your vaccine. Visit the NHS Grab a Jab site to find your nearest walk-in vaccination centre, or if you’d prefer to you can book an appointment online.
 Travelling abroad this half term
There’s not long to go until half term, with many families planning getaways. If you’re travelling abroad, make sure you check the foreign travel advice for the country you’re headed to and any others you’re travelling through. In addition:
- Arrange any Covid-19 tests you will need to enter the country you’re travelling to
- Make sure you know how to use the NHS Covid Pass to prove your vaccination status abroad
- Check what you need to do when you return to England
Please note, eligible fully vaccinated travellers and under 18s will no longer need to test or quarantine on arrival in the UK. If you do not qualify as fully vaccinated you will need to show proof of a negative Covid test before you travel to England, book and pay for a PCR test after you arrive in England and complete a passenger locator form before you travel.
Please read the full guidance on Gov.uk.
 More accessible employment support in the borough
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on employment, nationally and locally. But there are opportunities out there, and we can help residents find them. In fact, we’re making the employment support we offer to residents more accessible through a dedicated phone and email line; and by having an outreach team in place that is visible in local communities.
Anyone who needs some help with their career can now contact our employment outreach team by phoning 0118 977 8650, Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. Alternatively you can email them on employmentoutreach@wokingham.gov.uk.
The team can direct you to a local service or invite you in for a face-to-face appointment to discuss your situation further and ensure you receive the right advice. They are currently based in the following locations:
- Rainbow Community Centre, Winnersh (RG41 5SG)
- Shinfield Rise Community Flat, Shinfield (RG2 8EH)
- Oakwood Centre, Woodley (RG5 4JZ)
Visit our support finding a job webpage to find out more.
 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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