I’m sure the easing of COVID-19 restrictions has been welcomed by many Bracknell Forest residents over the past few weeks. Like me, I know many have been eager to see friends and family, even if it is still at a social distance, while others have been pleased to visit non-essential shops, cafes, restaurants and play parks for the first time in months. This is an important step in how we deal with the pandemic and resume a more normal way of life.

However, it doesn’t mean that the virus has gone away. Instead, it means we need to be even more alert to the risks and take appropriate steps to protect ourselves, our families, our friends and our community.

There are simple steps you can take to help protect your community and yourself at the same time. These include, remembering to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds; wearing a face mask or covering on public transport or enclosed spaces where it may be difficult to maintain a two metre distance, and while you’re out and about in busy places like shops; keeping a safe social distance from others; avoiding large gatherings and crowds; and getting tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Please make sure you self-isolate immediately and get tested if you have a new continuous cough, a high temperature, and/or you have lost your sense of taste and/or smell. You should also self-isolate if you are contact traced by the NHS Test and Trace system. You can find out more about testing at: gov.uk or by calling 119. Residents may also find the new test centre in Slough (Montem Road) helpful as anyone can use it, even people who are not symptomatic but concerned they may be infected.

Last Tuesday (30 June) the council’s Executive agreed the borough’s outbreak control plan. This plan ensures we are well prepared to effectively contain COVID-19 and reduce its spread in the community.

The plan supports the Government's easing of restrictions and the national rollout of the Test and Trace system. It also sets out how the council and its partners will work with residents and communities to respond to localised outbreaks of COVID-19, should they occur.

Residents can find a summary of the plan on the council’s website; it covers how together we will: manage local risks; take action; respond to Bracknell Forest outbreaks; communicate with residents.

I'd like to thank all Bracknell Forest residents for their commitment to adhering to Government restrictions over the past few months, I know at times it hasn’t been easy. Should we have to activate the outbreak control plan for any localised outbreak in the future, I’d like to ask that all residents engage positively with local restrictions, so together we can continue to keep our community as safe as possible.

Cllr Paul Bettison, OBE,

Leader of Bracknell Forest Council