Covid deaths have risen steeply in Wokingham borough over the last week, the latest government figures show. 

The data reveals that between April 2 and April 8 deaths increased by 1200 per cent in the borough compared to the previous seven days. 

During that period there have been 13 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test. Whilst the total number is relatively small, April 4 saw the most daily deaths in the borough since January 2021.  

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Royal Berkshire hospital admissions are also rising, with data up to April 3 showing an increase of 77.9 per cent compared to the previous week. 

Bracknell News:

As of April 5, there were 155 positive patients in Royal Berkshire - with two coronavirus patients in hospital beds with a mechanical ventilator. 

This is despite the number of cases in the borough falling, as 1,215 people received a confirmed positive test result - a decrease of 32.8 per cent compared to the previous seven days. 

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However, this likely doesn’t present an accurate reflection of the prevalence in the borough as the number of tests submitted has decreased by 18 per cent since last week. 

Wokingham Borough Council leader, John Halsall, said: “Covid is still here with a vengeance. The current variant is very transmissible.” 

The reduction in the number of tests carried out coincides with the government's decision to end nationwide free testing at the start of this month. 

Lloyds Pharmacy is now selling single lateral flow tests for £1.89 or a pack of five for £9.29. 

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Deaths are also rising nationally which has led the NHS Confederation boss, Matthew Taylor, to accuse the government of “wash[ing] its hands of responsibility for what is occurring in plain sight up and down the country.” 

This statement is in response to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing that a record one in 13 people in England are infected with coronavirus. 

“Please take precautions and ensure that you do not take any unnecessary risks,” Cllr Halsall advised.