Councillor Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council

This week sees the end of the Government’s COVID-19 testing. In February 2021 we launched the borough’s community asymptomatic testing programme. Studies showed that one in three people with COVID-19 did not have any symptoms, so could be unknowingly spreading the virus.

The programme started offering guided lateral flow testing in six community sites throughout the borough. This enabled our residents, who needed to be out in the community for work or volunteering, to do regular testing. As restrictions eased, this testing was opened up to all adults and as people became more used to doing lateral flow tests, the programme expanded to offer community collect for home test kits. With more home tests being done and our community centres starting to return to their proper use, the guided testing offering moved to One Lexicon and a mobile community test unit visited key areas of the borough throughout the week.

Alongside the vaccination roll out, lateral flow testing has been an essential way for us all to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19. Last month, the Government announced the end to COVID-19 testing in the community. Guided testing finished at One Lexicon on Sunday and once our current stocks have been used, we will no longer be running community collect at One Lexicon. The PCR test site at Bracknell leisure centre will also be closing, as we move to the new normal of living with COVID-19.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking each and every one of you who has taken up the offer of testing and isolating when required. I know this has not been easy for many, but you have all played your part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 within our community.

While we may no longer be testing, we still need to do all we can to protect ourselves and our community from COVID-19. This includes continuing to wear face coverings in crowded spaces, meeting up outside if you can, or if meeting indoors, keeping rooms well ventilated. Washing your hand regularly, getting your vaccinations when eligible and respecting other people’s decisions.

We are looking forward to the start of the wonderful Forest Springs event in The Lexicon next week and can’t wait for you all to experience it. Running from 6-16 April the event will see the town centre transformed into a watery extravaganza with breathtaking art installations and immersive activities. This really will be a treat for all our residents of all ages.