West Berkshire Covid Update 02/12/20

Covid-19 News - 02 DecemberWest Berkshire Council sent this bulletin at 02-12-2020 06:54 PM GMT
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What the 'High' Alert Level restrictions mean for West BerkshireWest Berkshire has been placed in Tier 2 High Alert from today until further notice from the Government.
This means we cannot mix households indoors, apart from support bubbles.
However up to 6 people from different households can meet outdoors, including in a garden or a public place. In addition, under the High Alert tier:

• Shops, gyms and personal care services (such as hairdressers) will all reopen.
• Pubs and bars must close, unless they are operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Last orders will be taken at 10pm, and venues must close by 11pm.
• Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.

• People should minimise travel and work from home where possible. Please note that you should not travel into a Tier 3 “Very high” area unless where necessary such as for work or education.

• Schools, colleges, university and early years settings will be open.

See our website for further details.
Council Services: You can also check out an overview of key Council Service operations in place from today until further notice (scroll down the page to the Services Status section).
It is more important than ever that we play our individual parts to keep cases down locally and stop the spread of the virus by following the rules. Nationally the tiers will first be reviewed on 16 December.

We're here to helpWe understand that these are very challenging times and we are here to help.
If you are in financial hardship due to the pandemic you may be eligible for financial support through the COVID Winter Grant Scheme.
Through this programme, which is running until 31 March 2021, you are welcome to apply for support for food, utility and water bills for household purposes, or other related essentials.
Please have your supporting documents ready for the online application process.
If you’re on a low income, unable to work from home and will lose income because you are required to self-isolate, you may be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment. 
Anyone who needs further assistance should contact the Community Support Hub on: 01635 503579, by email: [email protected] or via our online form. The Community Support Hub is open during office hours between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday.

Free public car parking dates in DecemberNow that we can all visit shops, cafes and restaurants again (in a Covid-safe manner), we are delighted to offer FREE parking on selected dates this month.
It's our way of welcoming you back to our 'High Streets' and supporting retailers in the run up to Christmas.
The pedestrianised zone in Newbury Town Centre will be extended until 10pm on Thursday evenings from 10 December until Christmas and also until 10pm from 21 December until Christmas Day.
The zone will remain open in the morning to support deliveries. This temporary measure covers Northbrook Street, the north end of Bartholomew Street, and the Market Square.
The free car parking will be available in the Council's car parks throughout the day on:

• Hungerford Market Day - Wednesdays 9, 16 December
• Newbury Market Day - Thursdays 10, 17 December
• Thatcham Market Day - Fridays 11, 18 December
• Pangbourne - Thursdays 10, 17 December
• Theale - Thursdays 10, 17 December
• All Council-run car parks - 21 to 25 December
• Council's staff car park in Market Street, Newbury - every weekend in December starting 12-13 December

See more details about the free car parking.

Helping businesses impacted by COVID restrictionsWe will continue to distribute the Additional Restrictions Grant to businesses that have been severely impacted by COVID-related restrictions.
For rate-paying businesses that are not allowed to reopen under Tier 2 restrictions, such as nightclubs and pubs and bars that cannot serve substantial meals, we are continuing to distribute the Local Restrictions Support Grant. 
If you would receive our Business News bulletins for more information on support for local businesses and other related news, be sure to update your subscriber preferences.

Forming a Christmas Bubble over the festive periodIn England from 23 – 27 December the Government is allowing people to form an exclusive “Christmas Bubble” composed of people from no more than three households.
Read the full guidance on Christmas Bubble arrangements and how to form a bubble if you are clinically extremely vulnerable. 
If you are thinking of forming a Christmas Bubble and meeting indoors, please take steps to keep yourselves as safe as possible by ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible, washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds, and ensuring regular cleaning of surfaces.

Stay Well This Winter – Flu Vaccine UpdateAs we have started to approach the colder months we want to remind eligible residents how important it is to get vaccinated this year. The flu virus strikes in winter and it can be far more serious than you think, especially if you have a long term health condition or are over 65. With COVID-19 also in circulation this winter it is now more important than ever that eligible groups are vaccinated.
This year, if you are living with someone who is on the NHS Shielded Patient List or you are aged 50 - 64, you are also eligible for a free flu vaccine. If you are aged 50 – 64 your GP should be writing to shortly.
If you’re eligible speak to your GP or local Pharmacy, who should be able to tell you when you can expect to book your flu jab.
If you’re not sure if you are eligible for a free flu jab speak to your GP. See additional information on the Flu vaccine.

West Berkshire Libraries to reopenWest Berkshire Libraries will reopen to visitors in limited numbers from Saturday, 5 December. You will be able to choose books and use library computers for up to one hour per day. Printing, scanning and photocopying services will also be available. 
Please don’t forget to wear a face covering when you visit unless you have a medical exemption and to bring your library membership card with you to borrow books or DVDs and to use our computers.
You also need to know your 4-digit library PIN which you can reset online if needed. 
We will still be asking you to help us protect our communities by maintaining social distancing, using hand sanitiser as you enter the library and providing your details for NHS Test and Trace. 
You can find details of all current library opening hours, including our Mobile Library timetable, on our website: www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries. 

Watch this space for further information!