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News
Wildfires
The risk of more frequent wildfires is very real. With predictions of increasing summer temperatures and more periods of dry weather, our local natural spaces are vulnerable. That’s why, as part of the Countryside Code, Natural England and Natural Resources Wales are working to ensure that guidance on BBQs and not lighting fires in the countryside continues to remain up to date. This includes:
Not lighting fires
Advice on only having BBQs where signs say you can
Always ensure that BBQs are put out correctly and disposed of responsibly
Be careful with naked flames and cigarettes
Take all of your litter home – glass is especially dangerous if left unattended in sunny locations
Call 999 if you see an unattended fire
You can find out more on the Countryside Code by visiting https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/countrysidecode/. It’s important we all work together to ensure that we look after our natural world. By following the Countryside Code, you can help respect, protect and enjoy the great outdoors and avoid wild fires.
Ukraine
Fraudsters are masquerading as victims of the war in Ukraine in an attempt to steal money from well-meaning UK residents.
Con-artists are also seizing on people's eagerness to help victims of the crisis by creating false charity websites to trick people into donating. One expert said the fraud was "evil", but unsurprising given the profile of the conflict. The prevalence of such scams is expected to build in the coming weeks.
WBC's response to the Ukraine crisis is available here.
Also, Greenham Trust has set up an appeal on The Good Exchange to provide local funding to support those families arriving. As part of this, both Greenham Trust and West Berkshire Council have committed to each contributing £25,000 in match funding, ensuring public, corporate and trust/foundation donations to this appeal are matched £1 for £1 for the first £50,000 raised. You can donate funds here: https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/19509/greenham-trust/help-welcomeukrainians-to-west-berkshire
Covid-19
The NHS Covid-19 roadmap can be downloaded here. For a local and almost up-to-date view of what's happening in West Berkshire, click here.
The latest ONS estimates suggest around 990,000 people in the UK have Covid. That is about 1.5% of the population (roughly one in 65 people) - up from about one in 70 the week before. Their report suggests the small rise is likely to be driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 variants of Omicron. This latest data from the ONS covers the week ending 2 June.
The government website showed 72 cases per 100,000 in the week 16 to 22 May for West Berkshire. The average for the UK was 71. Covid cases are more often not reported now so the cases shown here are an underestimate. Be careful, if you wish to remain covid free - wear a mask and wash your hands as necessary.
To see the detailed local cases map for Inkpen and Kintbury, click here.
The risk of more frequent wildfires is very real. With predictions of increasing summer temperatures and more periods of dry weather, our local natural spaces are vulnerable. That’s why, as part of the Countryside Code, Natural England and Natural Resources Wales are working to ensure that guidance on BBQs and not lighting fires in the countryside continues to remain up to date. This includes:
Not lighting fires
Advice on only having BBQs where signs say you can
Always ensure that BBQs are put out correctly and disposed of responsibly
Be careful with naked flames and cigarettes
Take all of your litter home – glass is especially dangerous if left unattended in sunny locations
Call 999 if you see an unattended fire
You can find out more on the Countryside Code by visiting https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/countrysidecode/. It’s important we all work together to ensure that we look after our natural world. By following the Countryside Code, you can help respect, protect and enjoy the great outdoors and avoid wild fires.
Ukraine
Fraudsters are masquerading as victims of the war in Ukraine in an attempt to steal money from well-meaning UK residents.
Con-artists are also seizing on people's eagerness to help victims of the crisis by creating false charity websites to trick people into donating. One expert said the fraud was "evil", but unsurprising given the profile of the conflict. The prevalence of such scams is expected to build in the coming weeks.
WBC's response to the Ukraine crisis is available here.
Also, Greenham Trust has set up an appeal on The Good Exchange to provide local funding to support those families arriving. As part of this, both Greenham Trust and West Berkshire Council have committed to each contributing £25,000 in match funding, ensuring public, corporate and trust/foundation donations to this appeal are matched £1 for £1 for the first £50,000 raised. You can donate funds here: https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/19509/greenham-trust/help-welcomeukrainians-to-west-berkshire
Covid-19
The NHS Covid-19 roadmap can be downloaded here. For a local and almost up-to-date view of what's happening in West Berkshire, click here.
The latest ONS estimates suggest around 990,000 people in the UK have Covid. That is about 1.5% of the population (roughly one in 65 people) - up from about one in 70 the week before. Their report suggests the small rise is likely to be driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 variants of Omicron. This latest data from the ONS covers the week ending 2 June.
The government website showed 72 cases per 100,000 in the week 16 to 22 May for West Berkshire. The average for the UK was 71. Covid cases are more often not reported now so the cases shown here are an underestimate. Be careful, if you wish to remain covid free - wear a mask and wash your hands as necessary.
To see the detailed local cases map for Inkpen and Kintbury, click here.
Government Covid-19 restrictions
Meeting friends and family
From 27 January face coverings will no longer be compulsory in many indoor public spaces - although they will be recommended in some places, and remain mandatory on London transport.
1m-plus social distancing remains in places such as hospitals and passport control.
Going to work
The government is no longer asking people to work from home.
Schools and nurseries
All school staff and pupils at secondary schools advised take two lateral flow tests (LFTs) a week.
Secondary school pupils no longer have to wear face coverings in classrooms.
Leisure time
People currently need to prove their Covid status - with an NHS Covid Pass or proof of a negative lateral flow test - to gain entry to nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, or any venue with more than 10,000 people.
This requirement will end on Thursday 27 January.
Shopping
All shops and retail outlets are open.
You must wear a face covering in any retail setting.
Other
Residents in care homes are currently allowed three named visitors. These restrictions are expected to be eased shortly.
All restrictions on events such as weddings, funerals, bar/bat mitzvahs and baptisms removed - no requirement for table service, or restrictions on singing or dancing.
Places of worship open for communal services.
Spring booster offered to over 75s
Many people will view these changes with concern, especially if you are clinically vulnerable or are elderly. With this in mind, the NHS will be offering a spring booster vaccination for these groups, and you can find out more here. We would also recommend that you speak to your GP for further advice on the next steps to ensure that you stay protected and how people can best help you.
Testing has changed, as has the use of the Covid Pass. From 1 April, the Government will:
• Remove the current guidance on voluntary COVID-status certification in domestic settings and no longer recommend that certain venues use the NHS COVID Pass.
• No longer provide free universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing for the general public in England.
• Remove every employer's health and safety requirement to consider COVID-19 in their risk assessments explicitly.
With the end of the restrictions,
ensuring that you are fully vaccinated is more important than
ever. However, if you haven't started your vaccination journey,
it is never too late to start.
You can book in using the NHS website, call 119 or speak to your GP. They are also there to discuss any concerns you might have or if you want to know about your whole family vaccinations from 5 years and up.
Before travelling abroad, you should check and follow entry requirements for your destination country. Find out more at gov.uk/travel-abroad
You might be planning for your summer holidays, it is now much easier to travel again, and for your friends and family to visit you here in the UK.
If you'd like to find out what rules apply either visiting other countries, or people coming to visit you, you can find all the information here.
You can book in using the NHS website, call 119 or speak to your GP. They are also there to discuss any concerns you might have or if you want to know about your whole family vaccinations from 5 years and up.
Before travelling abroad, you should check and follow entry requirements for your destination country. Find out more at gov.uk/travel-abroad
You might be planning for your summer holidays, it is now much easier to travel again, and for your friends and family to visit you here in the UK.
If you'd like to find out what rules apply either visiting other countries, or people coming to visit you, you can find all the information here.
Even if you are fully vaccinated, you can still catch and pass on COVID, and though you may have a milder case, it could be devastating for a person you give it to. You can collect your kits from any Pharmacy, or order online. Check if you can have a booster jab, click here.
If you are in good health, please make sure that any of your neighbours that might be vulnerable to the covid-19 are able to manage and are well, and keep in touch with them regularly. If you are aware of someone in Inkpen who is self-isolating but may not be getting help, please contact the clerk to the Parish Council.
Local councils in England and Wales have issued alerts following reports of bogus calls and messages asking for money to cover the cost of coronavirus testing kits or vaccinations. NHS officials will never ask for payment of any kind or for bank details.
The latest West Berkshire Council update is here. This covers information on the Delta variant, the status of surge testing, vaccinations and other pandemic news. Community and West Berkshire Council information has been added here.
If you need help and are in self-isolation, the News page provides a list of those offering to help you - take your pick.
