Bracknell Forest Council leader Paul Bettison informs people about the new coronavirus isolation rules and continues his drumbeat for people to get vaccinated. He writes:
A new week brings a new change to the testing rules. As of January 11, asymptomatic people who now test positive on a lateral flow test do not need to get a confirmatory PCR test. This not only relieves the pressure on the test processing labs who are dealing with the high number of PCR tests for people with symptoms, but also allows people to start their 10-day isolation from the day they test positive on a lateral flow rather than waiting for the PCR result.
These rule changes can often cause some confusion, and we, as a council, endeavour to help inform and advise you all of the current guidance. Just before Christmas we saw a change in the length of isolation. The guidance now states that people can do lateral flow tests on day six and seven (24 hours apart). If both are negative and you don't have a high temperature, you no longer need to isolate. If still positive, continue to isolate until day 10.
With infection rates still high, we are urging people to come forward for their vaccines as soon as possible. The Waitrose vaccine site has appointments and is running some walk-in clinics. For people who had previously been hesitant about receiving the vaccine and have now changed their mind, it is never too late to receive your first or second dose.
Also, for anyone who has recently had COVID-19, the booster still offers greater protection from contracting the virus again, though you must wait 28 days since your positive test before getting your vaccination. The vaccines do provide the best protection from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
Away from COVID-19, our work for our community continues. Residents have until January 25 to have their say on the 2022/23 budget proposals. If you would like to take part and give your feedback on the consultation, full details can be found on our website.
We have also appointed a specialist care provider, Windsar Care, to manage the residential service within the new Bracknell Forest Heathlands development when it opens this year.
Windsar Care will be offering personalised care to people suffering with dementia. The support will be tailored to the individuals’ needs, interests and wishes and delivered by fully trained and dedicated professionals, in a safe, relaxed and secure environment.
I am hopeful that 2022 will be better than the last two years and we will end the year safer and healthier.
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