Infection rate falls again and free tests available to everyone

THE RATE of infections in Wokingham per 100,000 is continuing to decline, as restrictions ease.

The latest figures for the borough showed the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents is 14.6, down from 26.9 last week.

There was one positive test recorded on Monday, April 12, bringing the total number of infections to 8,144.

It comes as all residents are now eligible for free lateral flow tests. Residents can be tested in one of the borough’s centres at Sindlesham

Court, Shute End and Microsoft Campus in the Thames Valley Park, or collect a pack of seven tests from the same location — to last a week.

It is part of the Government's plan to increase community testing and stay aware of the spread of infection as restrictions ease.

The figures in neighbouring Reading borough are higher than in Wokingham, with an infection rate of 32.1, up from 22.3 last week.

On Monday, Reading reported seven new positive cases.

Bracknell Forest has seen its rate per 100,000 decline over the past seven days. It is now 15.5, down from 33.5 last week. On Monday there were five new cases.

Windsor and Maidenhead had two cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 is now 29.1, down from 41.6 last week.

West Berkshire recorded eight positive cases, and its infection rate is 13.3, down from 20.8 last week.

Slough remains the highest in Berkshire, and its rate per 100,000 is 65.5, down from 79.6 last week. It also recorded 11 covid cases on Monday.

In England, 32,190,576 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 7,656,205 have had their second dose.