Cllr Charles Margetts, Executive Member for Health, Wellness and Adult Services, says:

“Covid-19 infection rates are the highest they have ever been in the borough and continue to rise. The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) announced late last week that PCR tests performed at testing sites including the Newbury Showground and Mereoak Park & ​​Ride were processed in the private lab where testing has been suspended due to reports of negative PCR results. after positive lateral flow tests (false negatives). Thus, since the beginning of September, some of the residents have not isolated themselves when they were infectious because they were told, by mistake, that their Covid test was negative, which contributed to an increase in transmission within the ‘arrondissement.

“Anyone affected will have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace over the weekend and invited to retest. While the full impact of these false negative test results is not yet clear, we predict that as residents retest, the rate of Covid cases will increase further, both in our borough and also in neighboring boroughs. of West Berkshire and Reading. This is the pattern currently observed in the Southwest following new tests. Please note that the lab has now stopped processing samples and residents should continue to use these testing sites with confidence.

Covid rate in Wokingham

“The cases mainly affect school-aged children and their families. Our working group on children’s services has taken a proactive approach; work closely with schools, identify outbreaks early and encourage testing in all settings. This ensures that children who test positive stay home and isolate themselves, thereby minimizing transmission in the school setting. Our teams are doing everything possible to support schools during this stressful time and are in daily contact with school leaders by phone, email and virtual meetings, providing advice, guidance and important information to share with parents. , tutors and guardians.

“The Covid-19 vaccine offers the best defense against the virus. Those over 18 need both doses for maximum protection, and anyone eligible for the booster will be contacted by the NHS in the coming months. The school-based vaccination program is going well, with the borough of Wokingham having the highest participation rate in Berkshire. Since it takes at least two weeks for the vaccine to be effective, we hope to see the impact in our schools after mid-term. If your child missed the vaccine, it has been announced that walk-in vaccination clinics for 12-15 year olds are due to start in England in a few weeks, so stay tuned for more on this. .

“With a semester fast approaching, we urge all of our residents to be careful when mingling with friends and family. The chances of catching and spreading the virus remain high, especially when crowded inside. Please wear a face cover when socializing in indoor locations and try to meet outdoors where Covid-19 particles can fly away. If you are meeting indoors, ventilation is crucial, even during the fall months. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.

“We have come a long way in the fight against Covid-19, but it is not over yet. Let us continue to do all we can to stay safe as cases are numerous and increasing, and let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones. “