The total number of Covid-19 cases in Wokingham Borough is 584, according to new data published for the first time yesterday.
The new figures show both cases reported in ‘Pillar 1’ (people who have tested positive and been identified through laboratory testing on hospital and health care workers as well as those with a clinical need) and ‘Pillar 2’ (which is those positive cases who were tested by the Government’s commercial partner in the community).
Previously, only data from Pillar 1 was available to local authorities. Although the overall figure of 584 is higher than previously announced, there is not a significant increase in risk to the borough. The number of cases remains low with just five cases in the week June 22 to 28 (the latest data available) and just one case in the week before that.
Wokingham Borough Council executive member for adult social care Cllr Charles Margetts said: “It is frustrating that the Pillar 2 data was not available to us before yesterday and this is not the first time we have been blind-sided by national announcements. We have pushed for better data and will continue to do so because the better intelligence we have, the better we can work to reduce spread and prevent outbreaks.
“But the key points for residents is that the number of local cases in the borough remains low and we have had no outbreaks. As lockdown restrictions are relaxed we will need people to be sensible and follow the remaining social distancing rules and good hygiene to help us keep the borough safe.
“We are working closely with partners on our Local Outbreak Control Plan and are confident that we have the people and processes to contain and cope with any potential further spread of the virus.”
The new figures by Public Health England indicate that there have been 458 confirmed cases via Pillar 1 and 126 cases via Pillar 2.
