Councillor Paul Bettison, the leader of Bracknell Forest Council, has warned people about the new coronavirus rules that are in place to stop the spread of the virus. He says if people wear masks, get vaccinated and test regularly, the Christmas period can be enjoyed with family and friends. Cllr Bettison writes:

At what should be a time filled with carefree festive fun, with cases of Omicron and Delta variants rising, we are once again facing necessary measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19. However we feel about these restrictions, they are in place to protect everyone in our community, whether they are vaccinated or not, and are the best way of allowing us to have a safer Christmas.

It has been so good to see so many people wearing their face coverings, especially in the town centre, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you. In addition to wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport, they must now also be worn in other public venues such as cinemas and theatres, unless you are exempt. Face coverings are a good defence against the spread, not only of COVID-19, but also of other winter viruses. The more people who wear face coverings, the less risk of spreading viruses within the community.

The new guidance also now calls for people to work from home if they can. I know, for some, this is not possible, but for those who can, it is another way we can help protect our community. Employers will be able to work with their staff to come up with ways of making the transition back to home working as seamless as possible for all involved.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of the COVID Pass on the NHS app. This will show your vaccine status and will be necessary to attend indoor unseated events of more than 500 people, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees, and any event with 10,000 or more attendees. Those who are unable to be vaccinated or have not yet had their vaccines will need to show a negative lateral flow test to gain entry. For anyone who does not have a smart phone, paper copies of your COVID Pass can be obtained by calling 119.

Vaccines and testing remain the best ways to protect yourselves and your loved ones. The booster jabs are being rolled out to all adults and we urge you to take up your appointment when it is offered. Whether you are vaccinated or not, regular testing, especially when you are going to be at most risk of catching or spreading COVID, is key. This includes if you are going to crowded public areas or visiting those who are at most risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus.

As we head towards the Christmas period, we are obviously looking forward to meeting up with family and friends, something we all missed last year. The best advice is to test before you go and, if meeting up indoors, open a window to keep the room well ventilated.

All this guidance is set in place to help protect ourselves and our loved ones and really is our best route out of this pandemic. By following this guidance, we will be able to have a safe and enjoyable festive period with our loved ones.