People in Reading are being told “there is no cause for alarm” after a spike in Covid-19 cases led to Slough being named as “an area of concern”.

Last week, Public Health England announced it was keeping a very close eye on Slough after the town recorded 58 new cases in the two weeks leading up to August 18.

But councillor Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, insists people in Reading should not be concerned.

In an open letter, he wrote: “I want to reassure everyone that Reading’s numbers are currently considerably lower than areas in England which have been a focus of national attention and local circumstances are considerably different to Slough.

“There is no cause for alarm, although it is a good reminder to us all that we should not become complacent.”

So far, 845 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Reading and Slough has recorded 750 confirmed cases.

Office for National Statistic figures show 166 Covid-19 deaths have been recorded in Reading so far, while 111 have died in Slough after contracting the virus.

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In the week ending on August 23, Slough recorded a higher seven-day infection rate of 12.7 cases per 100,000 people (down from 16.1 in the previous week), after 19 new cases of the virus were recorded.

While Reading recorded a seven-day rate of 11 cases per 100,000 people (up from 6.1 in the previous week) after an extra 18 cases were recorded.

The average infection rate in England for that week was 11.5.

Cllr Brock added: “After coronavirus caused an early end to the last academic year for our schoolchildren and students, things are now in place to welcome them back in to education next week.

Reading Chronicle:

“The government has stipulated that attendance will be compulsory for all year groups, although children should not go to school if they have Covid-19 symptoms, or if someone in their household has tested positive for coronavirus.

“Parents of any child with specific health issues who are unsure if they can go back should discuss this with their school as soon as possible.

“For many it will be their first time back in school since lockdown started in March and pupils will notice some differences when they return, such as varied drop-off and pick-up times and breaks, assemblies and PE sessions in smaller groups.

“All schools are likely to operate slightly differently and will notify parents of any new arrangements in advance of the start of term.

“Please walk or cycle to school if possible, and be reassured that we are working with Brighter Futures for Children and Reading Buses to help make travelling to and from school as safe as it can be.”