COUNCIL leader Paul Bettison is urging residents to get tested to prevent the spread of Covid-19

He writes: 

Despite the rainy weather over the weekend, I hope that residents were able to enjoy Father’s Day with loved ones, friends, and family.

Thinking about loved ones, I want to remind everyone in GU47 0 that they can take an extra step to protect themselves and their family and friends by taking part in enhanced testing and walk-in vaccinations.

From now until Wednesday, June 30, anyone aged 18 years or over living or working in the GU47 0 postcode area can receive their first COVID-19 vaccination at Waitrose Sports and Leisure Centre, Willoughby Road, Bracknell, RG12 8FP. You can walk-in between the hours of 4pm and 7pm and note that the availability of slots is dependent on vaccine availability.

For your second vaccination dose, you must pre-book your appointment. If you live in GU47 0, you can book to have your second vaccination at the Waitrose Sports and Leisure Centre, even if you had your first vaccine elsewhere.

Alternatively, anyone in the GU47 0 area can pre-book an appointment for their first or second dose by phoning 01344 233 300 or by emailing: info@berkshireprimarycare.co.uk.

I’d also like to remind residents that surge testing is taking place in the GU47 0 postcode area of Bracknell Forest until 30 June. This is taking place to try and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant locally.

I urge residents over the age of 11 who are living or working in the GU47 0 postcode area to please come forward for a COVID-19 PCR test, provided you are not showing symptoms.

The surge testing applies to staff and pupils at all the borough’s secondary schools and colleges, as well as staff at all primary schools. Primary school children do not need to take part unless they attend Binfield CE Primary School, where a number of cases have been identified. Surge testing will help identify cases, advise self-isolation when necessary and contain the spread.

I hope that you stay safe and have a great week.

Paul Bettison

Bracknell Forest Council leader