Slough Borough Council's chief executive Josie Wragg has urged every person and business in the borough to follow the new Tier 4 regulations - warning that some people have become 'complacent and unworried'.

As of yesterday (Saturday) the current case rate in Slough is 405.2 per 100,000 of the population. In the over 60s it is 209.4 per 100,000 of the population and in those aged 17 to 21 the current rate is 617.8 per 100,000 of the population – the highest it has ever been.

In the week ending December 4 (the latest figures), a further four Slough residents died from Covid.

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Ms Wragg said: “We know the new restrictions will be devastating for many of our residents who had already made plans for the Christmas period but in Slough the rates of infection are increasing and increasing rapidly.

“The number of our residents in hospital because of Covid is going up every week and tragically, more of our residents are dying each week from Covid.

“Though most people are trying their best, some people have been too complacent and seemingly unworried about how this horrible virus could affect them and others with a small minority dismissive of those who are already grieving for loved ones who have died from covid.

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“Now we all have to live and struggle under these tougher regulations which will have a devastating effect on the mental health of many who were just hoping for a brief respite from the loneliness and restrictions of the past months.

“That hope is now gone and though there is hope in the new vaccine roll out we need to work together to get through this period, look after the most vulnerable, keep spreading love and cheer virtually so the new year can truly be a happier one.”

Those on their own can form a support bubble on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household.

Information on how you can look after your mental health at this difficult time is on the Slough Public Health website: https://www.publichealthslough.co.uk/

Any Slough resident on their own, unable to get essentials or medicines, or suffering loneliness is encouraged to call the One Slough community response team on 01753 944198 for help and support.

Advice and support can also be found on the council’s website at https://www.slough.gov.uk/Coronavirus