To receive a presentation and update on the latest COVID-19 data and related activity.

David Scott, Head of Communities and Covid Coordinator for the Borough, gave a presentation on the current situation with COVID.

In summary, infection rates had recently increased and remained high with infections spreading across all age groups. Omicron had become the dominant variant of COVID. In spite of this, according to data available, the RBWM was in a far more favourable position compared to the rest of England. In terms of COVID testing, the borough had seen a higher level of testing compared to neighbouring boroughs but experienced a slight reduction by 2% in overall testing levels recently.

Despite higher infection rates, hospitalisations due to COVID had remained low but it had a rough 3-time increase in volumes from August 2021 to January 2022 compared to the May to August 2021 period.

In schools, infections in the first week of term were roughly twice as high compared to the end of last term. In addition, COVID outbreaks had been identified in 10 first/primary schools as well as in 8 Middle, Secondary and Upper schools. It was too early to tell on how the return to school would affect wider infection rates in the rest of the community.

When looking at cases by area, Clewer East had the highest infection rates out of the 19 wards of the Borough when compared to the case rates by percentage of the ward’s population.

Regarding vaccinations, vaccine rates had been consistent in terms of comparison to the borough’s Berkshire neighbours, with “third-equals” placings for RBWM in first, second and third doses.

The advice to reduce infections was to continue following the core advice, such as continuing with testing, wearing face coverings in busy places and to avoid crowded places as well as remembering that fresh air reduces the risk of infection. David Scott also brought attention to the very recent change in the number of days required for self-isolation after a positive lateral flow test. This had changed from 7 to 5 days subject to two clear Lateral Flow Device Tests, after a positive test, with one on day 5 after the initial positive test, and a subsequent one 24 hours later, and as long as no symptoms were apparent.

Councillor Davey asked if there were any signs to an end of restrictions. David Scott replied by saying that this was still uncertain due to the Omicron variant’s infectious nature and other potential variants. While Omicron was more infectious, the increase in vaccinations had decreased hospitalisations. While The forum was advised that restrictions would not be lifted by the end of March 2022, although if the current trends continued, the Borough would continue to be in a stronger position when compared to some of our near neighbours. David Scott also added that there should be a continued exercise in caution as the pressure on NHS system and impact on NHS staff was still a cause for concern.

Councillor Carole Da Costa added that people still needed to exercise caution after stating that she read medical reports which gave the consensus that the pandemic may be far from over. The Chairman expressed agreement.