After the introduction of more stringent regulations on several occasions in December 2020, on 4 January 2021 the government announced a further national lockdown with effect from 5 January. 

National lockdown

As on 5 January 2021, the whole of England is under a national lockdown. Similar arrangements apply in Wales, Scotland and Ireland. This is very similar to what was in place from late March 2020 (except that dentists and places of worship will remain open). The basic message is, with specific exemptions, ‘stay at home’.

More information about when you can leave home, which businesses can stay open, which students can return to school/university etc can be found on the Gov.uk website.

It is expected that this will remain in place until the end of January at least.

See below for more information from neighbouring councils.

Advice & support from West Berkshire Council

West Berkshire Council continues to provide support to residents and businesses affected by the restrictions. These include:

• General information on Covid-19 in West Berkshire including updates on local restrictions and local services.
• Information about the Community Support Hub including links to local voluntary community groups.
• Information about support for residents in financial hardship due to the pandemic via the Covid Winter Grant Scheme.
• Information for businesses regarding Covid guidelines and regulations from the Public Protection Partnership.
• Public Health dashboard for the latest Covid statistics for all six Berkshire authorities (including West Berkshire).

Lynne Doherty, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “I know how upsetting this news will be to residents and businesses across West Berkshire, especially at time of year. The stakes have never been higher in our bid to keep people safe and ensure our health services continue to run effectively. So, we are asking people to think about their behaviour – it is vital that everyone continues to follow the guidance so that we can reverse this trend, particularly given the news about the new strain of the virus. This is all about individual and collective responsibility.

“We know many residents have been affected by Covid and will need extra support. I encourage residents to contact our Community Support Hub using their online form in the first instance and for businesses to visit our website for applications to the business grants available.

“As always, the Council continues to provide its vital services to the community during these challenging times.”

Advice & support from other local councils

See below for links to the relevant sites for the councils surrounding West Berkshire.

• Vale of White Horse
• Swindon
• Wiltshire 
• Test Valley 
• Basingstoke & Deane 
• Wokingham
• Reading
• South Oxfordshire 

Advice & support from the government

• Detailed information about the lockdown restrictions.
• Information about shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable people.
• Information about up-to-date restrictions in your area.
• As well as the specific restrictions, residents should continue to follow the “hands, face, space” advice to help reduce transmission.