COVID rates are still increasing, with an estimated 1 in 25 people now infected.  The COVID vaccine reduces your risk of getting seriously ill and catching and passing on the virus - every vaccine you have makes a difference. No appointment is needed, and you don’t need to be registered with a GP or have ID. 1st, 2nd and booster doses will all be available for anyone 12 and over.

There’s a vaccine clinic near you, with clinics in your community in July:

• 19 July Reading Golders Lunch Club, Queens Road
• 26 July Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square
• 27 July Weller Centre, Amersham Road
• 28-31 July Meeting Point, Kennet Island

• Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• Use high factor 30-50 SPF with a high star UVA rating, apply sun cream 20 mins before going out and every 2 hours in the sun and make sure your sun cream is in date, if it has been open for more than 12 months it may not be as effective
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• Make sure you take water to drink with you
• Look out for people who may need support in your community and check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather

• Taking the person’s temperature.
• If possible, move them somewhere cooler.
• Cool them down as quickly as possible by giving them a cool shower, sprinkling them with water or wrapping them in a damp sheet, and using a fan to create an air current.
• Encouraging them to drink fluids if they are conscious.

More heat health information is available from the NHS. 
 
Other things you need to be aware of in this unusually hot spell are water safety, and also how you can reduce the impact on both the environment and your water bills by trying to save water. Tips and advice on both of these can be found below.
 
Stay cool if you can, and most importantly stay safe.