Find information about community support and our services during the coronavirus pandemic, on our information for residents pages, our information for businesses pages, and our community support hub page which has guidance to help coordinate community organisations.
See a summary of our Local Outbreak Control Plan and read our frequently asked questions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for residents about the coronavirus pandemic
Like all councils we want to support our local communities as much as possible during the current coronavirus pandemic.
We're updating our website with guidance and updates for residents and businesses - sharing national advice and updating you on any council services which are affected.
Roadmap out of lockdown
The government has published the 'COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021' setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England . This explains how the restrictions included in this guidance will be lifted over time.
Step 1b - changes from 29 March From Monday, 29 March, the Stay at Home rule will be lifted. Where possible, you should continue to work from home and minimise the number of journeys you make. People will be able to meet outside in groups up to a maximum of 6 people (the Rule of 6) or with one other household, although people from different households will still need to socially distance from each other. This will apply in all outdoor settings, including private gardens. All children will be able to access any outdoor childcare and supervised activities. Parent and child groups can also take place outdoors with a limit of 15 attendees. Outdoor sports facilities will also reopen for use. Holidays abroad will not be allowed. Overnight stays are not permitted and domestic and international holidays are not allowed at this time. From 29 March, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will still be able to proceed with 6 people only but will no longer be limited to exceptional circumstances. |
 Step 1 v2 |
Step 2 - changes from 12 April
Social contact rules in England will not change further at this point. Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to 6 people or 2 households as in Step 1, and no indoor mixing will be allowed unless otherwise exempt. All newly open settings must abide by the social contact rules. The Government will continue to enforce restrictions and require businesses to demonstrate robust strategies for managing the risk of transmission and to ensure social distancing rules are followed. West Berkshire Council and the police will continue to provide support and advice to newly reopened settings, enabling them to operate safely. Where businesses do not follow the rules, the appropriate enforcement action will be taken. |
 Step 2 |
Step 3 - not before 17 May |
 Step 3 |
Step 4 - not before 21 June |
 Step 4 |
In implementing this plan the Government will be guided by data, not dates, so that we do not risk a surge in infections that would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. For that reason, all the dates in the roadmap are indicative and subject to change. There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the scientific data to reflect the changes in restrictions and to be analysed; followed by one week's advance notice of the restrictions that will be eased.
Only when the government is sure that it is safe to move from one step to the next will the final decision be made. The decision will be based on four tests:
- the vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
- evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
- infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
- our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern
The government will continue to protect the public by ensuring local outbreaks are managed quickly and effectively and that we combat new dangerous variants, both within the UK and at the border. The government will also continue to support families and businesses throughout the steps set out in the roadmap.
Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 have no symptoms, so will be spreading the virus without realising.
We must all stick to the rules and follow the guidance set out by the Government.
The law will be updated to reflect these new rules. The relevant authorities, including the police, will have powers to enforce the law - including through fines and dispersing gatherings.
We must all continue to follow the guidance around HANDS + FACE + SPACE in order to keep West Berkshire open and save lives. You must self-isolate and request a test if you are suffering any COVID-19 symptoms and also self-isolate if you are instructed to do so by the NHS Test and Trace service or a clinician.
If you are a critical or keyworker who does not have Covid-19 symptoms, please click here to book a lateral flow test at one of four testing sites. If you have Covid-19 symptoms, please do not book a lateral flow test, call 119 or go online to the National Booking Service to book a coronavirus test.
We have separate sections for:
Our Local Outbreak Control Plan
Weeknotes - Updates from the Leader and Chief Executive of the council
Community Support Hub
Anyone who needs support with food, finance, help to self-isolate or any other support, should get in contact with the Community Support Hub on: 01635 503579, by email: westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk or you can ask for help from our Community Support Hub service online.
The Community Support Hub is open during office hours; call between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8:30am and 4:30pm on Friday. For out of hours emergencies, please contact 01635 42161.
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