In the last seven days local infection levels have been fluctuating, over the period increasing from 267.1 to 283.6 per 100,000 people. We remain concerned by rising infections across the county, particularly amongst those of us who are over 60 years old.

Self-isolation rules were relaxed this week. If someone we live with has COVID-19 symptoms, or has tested positive, we won’t need to self-isolate if we’re:

• Fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since our final jab.
• Under 18 years, 6 months old.
• Taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial.
• Not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons.

BUT, even if we don’t have symptoms, we should still:

• Get a PCR test on GOV.UK to check if we’ve COVID-19.
• Follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19.
• Limit our contact with people who are at higher risk from COVID-19.
• Tell those who we've been in close contact with in the past 48 hours that we might have COVID-19. (They do not need to self-isolate, unless they're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.)

Recent studies have shown that even if we’ve had both our jabs, we can still carry the full viral load. So, with COVID-19 still prevalent in our area, let’s protect those around us by wearing a face covering, especially in enclosed spaces, even if we have no symptoms. Please also continue with regular testing, which remains available for free by home delivery, at a local test centre or by collection from a participating pharmacy.

While many of us enjoy our ‘staycations’, rediscovering the delights of our beautiful parks, gardens and wider countryside, work on our Recovery Plan continues apace:

• Public consultations on the proposals to merge Warwick and Stratford District Councils will be launched on 6 September. To help Councillors understand the views of residents on this proposal, the consultation will be completed ahead of a formal decision being taken in December. If a merger is agreed by Councillors, a submission will then be made to government seeking permission for the process to proceed.
• Riverside House site has been the focus of two further online meetings this week as part of a series of Q&A sessions to gather views on future options for the regeneration of this much-loved location. If you’d like to join the next meeting on Wednesday 25 August, please visit our webpage.
• Local Afghanistan emergency response is being led by our Housing Services team who have been working closely with government to assist with the resettlement programme. We’re delighted to be offering three refugee families a home and a very warm welcome to our community. 

And finally, this year’s National Bowls Finals started yesterday in Victoria Park and will continue through until 5 September. With the sun forecast to shine next week, and adult tickets starting at just £4 for adults, and £1 for Under 18s; this is a great opportunity to watch some world class sport, right on our doorstep.  So go on, why not treat yourself, add something new to your staycation activity list and preview the excitement that’s in store for us all next summer at the Commonwealth Games.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Andrew Day   Leader                                    Chris Elliott    Chief Executive