ALL but one area in Berkshire has reported a drop today in the seven-day rate of coronavirus infections.

Figures for every local authority area of Berkshire, excluding Bracknell, has reported lower rates compared to this time one week ago.

However, despite having a lower rate than most areas in the county, Bracknell has reported a slight rise in seven day infection rates.

It comes as Public Health England has recorded 167 lab-confirmed cases in the past 24 hours in areas including Reading, Bracknell, Wokingham, West Berkshire, Slough and Windsor and Maidenhead.

These figures are correct as of Thursday, December 3.

The local breakdown for the past 24 hours as follows:

  • Reading - 38 cases, 2,807 total
  • West Berkshire - 9 cases, 1,698 total
  • Bracknell Forest - 12 cases, 1,504 total
  • Wokingham - 29 cases, 2,209 total
  • Slough - 53 cases, 4,025 total
  • Windsor and Maidenhead - 26 cases, 2,455 total

There have now been 1,674,134 people across the UK who have tested positive for Covid-19.

The total number of deaths - those with Covid-19 listed on their death certificate - across the UK has now reached 69,752.

The local seven-day rate of infection per 100,000 people is as per below:

Reading - 129.8 (compared to 145.3 on Nov 26)

West Berkshire - 53 (compared to 89 on Nov 26)

Bracknell Forest - 88.9 (compared to 67.7 on Nov 26)

Wokingham - 101.1 (compared to 109.3 on Nov 26)

Slough - 304.3 (compared to 313.6 on Nov 26)

Windsor and Maidenhead -107 (compared to 137.4 on Nov 26)

In today's national coronavirus news:

The first doses of the approved coronavirus vaccine are due to arrive in the UK on Thursday as the country battles with logistical challenges in administering it to those at the top of the priority list.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, confirmed the jab from Pfizer and BioNTech - approved by the UK medicines regulator on Wednesday - will hit British shores in "hours, not days".

The UK became the first country in the world to give the go-ahead to the vaccine, paving the way for vaccinations to start next week.

The country has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer jab, enough to vaccinate 20 million people with two doses, given 21 days apart.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said 800,000 doses of the jab will arrive next week, while BioNTech chief commercial officer Sean Marett confirmed the UK is likely to receive at least five million doses by the end of the year - half of its initial 2020 order due to a production scaleback.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises ministers, has recommended care home residents and staff should be the top priority.

It is hoped that the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab, if approved by the regulator, will allow for easier administration on a mass scale as it can be stored at normal fridge-like temperatures.