No time for complacency - help us control COVID-19

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Thu 9 September 2021:
Your regular update from Reading Borough Council on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how you can help

A message from Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock

We have all worked so hard to keep COVID-19 under control since the pandemic was at its peak, but now is not the time to get complacent. The good news is that there are simple things you can do. The first one is to please continue wearing face coverings in and around Reading.

Thank you if you are doing this – it’s especially important when indoors and in crowded, poorly ventilated areas, and where groups of us mix frequently such as shops, pubs and cafes, public transport and entertainment venues.

Many schools went back this week, and I know this raises concerns amongst some of a further spike in infections. Testing remains a key element in controlling the virus, and secondary schools and colleges have been offering two tests on-site to begin term, and encouraging students to keep up the twice-weekly testing at home.

About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. Although you might not have symptoms, taking regular rapid lateral flow tests twice a week to check if you have the virus has great value. If you test negative it can give you peace of mind about spending time around family and friends, and if you test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading and protects your loved ones. Even if you’re vaccinated, there’s still a chance you can pass COVID-19 on, so you should keep getting tested regularly. You can:

Order lateral flow tests online to be sent to your home, where you can report your results online or by phone
Pick up lateral flow tests to do at home from a test collection point near you.
Get tested at a community test site – you can book a supervised test at Reading Town Hall community testing site

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 so please make sure you get your first and second dose, and please encourage the people you care about to get vaccinated too. Appointments are available from 8.30am to 7.30pm every day at the Broad Street Mall, and there is also a vaccine clinic at Boots on Broad Street. You can book your vaccine online on the NHS website, or by calling 119.

Supporting Afghan Refugees
I’m sure like me you have been distressed to see the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and last week Reading Borough Council confirmed to the Government that we will house and support 10 refugee families from Afghanistan. We continue to do everything we can to provide housing for local people, but also must try to help those fleeing violence and persecution in Afghanistan. The Government has announced the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme and we are awaiting details. I’m sure you will all be welcoming and integrate the refugees into our communities and culture to help them feel safe and secure.

Green bin collections
Green bin collections resumed on Monday after staff suffering from COVID-19 and self-isolation forced a pause to the service. Importantly it did mean that we were able to ensure no disruption to our household waste and recycling collections. Due to the large amount of green waste put out for collection after we resumed the service, we are catching up as quickly as possible but some green bins may be delayed slightly in being collected. Thanks for your understanding.

Road improvements
Roads and pavements across the borough are set for big improvements as our £9m investment in resurfacing over three years continues. Having listened to what residents want, our focus on resurfacing hundreds of roads and pavements will provide improvements that pedestrians, cyclists and motorists can all benefit from. The road crews will also be planting over 100 new trees from later this year to reduce Reading’s carbon footprint and also improve canopy cover, biodiversity and reduce surface water run-off to lower the risk of flooding in Reading.

Reading Climate Change Festival
Reading Climate Festival takes place from 20 to 26 September, and we are encouraging you all to get involved in the week of events to inspire positive local action on climate change. It is aimed at helping residents, businesses, schools and community groups find out how to live more sustainably, make changes that will contribute towards our goal of a net zero, climate resilient town and gain a better understanding of how what we do locally makes a difference. The programme comprises over 40 events, both online and in person, with something for everyone no matter their age or background. Please check out the full schedule of events on the Reading Can website.

Celebrating Reading Workshops
I mentioned last month that Reading Borough Council is working with Reading UK and The University of Reading on how to celebrate the best of Reading, market the area to attract inward investment, create jobs, and support existing business. Two virtual workshops are taking place on 21 and 23 September to understand more about Reading from the people that live and work here. As a Reading resident, your views will be vital in helping shape a powerful story for our town. If you would like to get involved, please register today.

Heritage Open Days
Finally, a series of Reading Heritage Open Days begin tomorrow, celebrating our buildings, natural and cultural heritage. There will be a fantastic range of free in-person and digital events to showcase the rich stories that make Reading such a unique place to live, work and visit. The theme for Heritage Open Days 2021 is 'Edible England' and a number of Reading’s events will tell the story of our local culinary heritage. All Heritage Open Days events are free to attend, but some need booking in advance due to small capacities. All the details are on the event's What's On Reading page.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST COVID-19 RESPONSE NEWS FROM READING BOROUGH COUNCIL

With the latest advice and service information changing regularly, you can keep up to date by following our dedicated page to the Covid-19 response here: https://www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirus
Please also follow us on Facebook and Twitter (links below) for regular updates.

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Reading Borough Council
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