 Sign up for more newsletters
We’ve just started the rollout of new blue waste bags and food waste bags to all the houses in our borough.
You can sign up for our weekly rubbish and recycling newsletter to check on the progress, as well as other updates on all things waste.
We’ve also got all our events in our fortnightly what’s on newsletter, everything relating to roads in traffic and travel, plus our twice a week Residents’ Round-up to cover everything that’s happening across our area which matters to you. You can sign up to receive these updates on our website.
 Weekly Covid-19 statistics
The weekly case rate per 100,000 people in the borough currently sits at 1,319.4 (up to 5 February). Data up to 3 February shows the three highest rates are in people aged 10-14 (3,519 per 100k), 5 to 9 (2,803 per 100k) and 40 to 44 (2,242 per 100k). They are also highest in Barkham (2,219 per 100k), Shinfield South (2,209 per 100k) and Westcott (2,140 per 100k).
Please continue to protect yourself and others by testing regularly with lateral flow tests if you have no symptoms and taking a PCR test if you feel unwell. We have several rapid test sites in the borough where walk-in appointments are available. You can collect home test kits from these locations too. Find your nearest site on our website.
To keep up with the latest Covid-19 case rates in the borough and neighbouring authorities, visit the Berkshire Public Health website.
 Updates to the self-isolation rules
You may have seen in the news that Central Government has announced plans to potentially lift all remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England at the end of February. This includes the legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive or are a contact of a positive case.
At present, anyone with Covid-19 symptoms or who tests positive, or who is a close contact of a positive case and isn’t fully vaccinated, must self-isolate for at least five full days. Please continue to follow this guidance while it remains in place and read our weekly Covid-19 newsletters as we keep you updated on the latest changes.
 Stay protected, get vaccinated
If you tested positive for Covid-19 towards the end of last year and had to delay your first, second, or booster dose of the vaccine, it could be time to come forward for it. As a reminder, after being infected, you would need to wait:
- 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re aged 18 years old or over
- 12 weeks (84 days) if you’re aged 12 to 17 years old
- 4 weeks (28 days) if you’re 12 to 17 years old and at high risk from Covid-19
The waiting period is from the date your symptoms started, or the date of the positive test if you did not have any symptoms. If it’s now time for you to get vaccinated, it is vital that you choose a suitable appointment date when booking for your next Covid-19 vaccination, which you can do on the NHS website. Alternatively, you can visit a nearby walk-in vaccination centre.
 Travel safely during the pandemic
If you are planning a holiday this half-term or over the next few months, it is important to check the Gov.uk travel guidance, which details key information for the country you plan to visit. The website provides vital information by country about the entry requirements for vaccinations, testing and self-isolation.
For information on how to travel safely in airports and on aircrafts during the Covid-19 pandemic, visit the Gov.uk website. Remember, you should not travel if you have Covid-19 symptoms, are self-isolating, or if you share a household with someone who has had symptoms in the past 10 days.
 More accessible employment support in the borough
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.
 We need your thoughts on our Anti-Poverty Strategy
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our communities. As a council, we are here to support in every way possible, and our partners across the voluntary and community sector are also doing an amazing job to help those most in need.
Together, we want to build on the support that’s already out there and tackle key issues so we can prevent poverty and support people out of it. That’s why we’ve created a Hardship Alliance with four leaders from our voluntary and community sector – First Days, Citizens Advice Wokingham, AgeUK Berkshire and Wokingham United Charities. Watch our video to find out more.
We’re working in partnership on a new Anti-Poverty Strategy and are asking for residents’ feedback on it. Please head to the consultation page on our engagement platform to have your say.
Our teams will also be at the Wokingham Market on Saturday (12 Feb) if you want to have a chat and find out more.
|
