LATEST data shows coronavirus cases and deaths in Slough are on a ‘downward trend’, councillors were told.

Dr Liz Brutus, service lead for public health, informed members at a virtual outbreak engagement board that the number of new positive cases and coronavirus-related deaths within the borough has ‘declined’ as of August 3 (Monday).

Slough has seen a small increase in cases in the last few days, Dr Brutus told the board, but, in general, new cases continue to fall – which she added her team will continue to monitor.

In the report, it states that these areas are on a ‘downward trend’ within Slough:

  • The number of people getting infected by Covid-19 is 0.3 per 100,000 Slough population on July 25.
  • Coronavirus related deaths is 1.3 per 100,000 Slough population on July 10.
  • People making 111 and 999 calls as well as online assessments are ‘currently at a low level’.

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Currently, the death rate is under the seasonal national average – but Dr Brutus said she expects Slough to return to the average in the ‘next while’.

Councillors were told that tests at the hybrid walk and drive in testing centre at Montem centre has ‘steadily increased’ with a rolling average of 300 per day from a previous 150 a few weeks ago.

Dr Brutus said: “If we test everyone within our population and test the increasing number of people in our town, we will have a much better idea on what’s going on and we can keep control of the virus.”

A collaboration was formed in May between Slough Borough Council, NHS England, Slough Community Voluntary Service, and local GPs to engage and communicate with Slough residents – especially the BAME (black, Asian, and minority ethnic) community – about government guidelines and keeping safe from Covid-19.

The board also heard the council has been given new powers from the government to ‘prescribe circumstances’ and restrict or close events and premises if a spike in cases occurs.

Councillor Natasa Pantelic (Labour: Cippenham Meadows), lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “As a place, we’re always trying to find that balance, in even though we have these new powers, to make sure people’s livelihoods still continue – but also we have good public health locally.

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“We want to keep working with the community and when an outbreak happens, that’s the key thing is to immediately work with the community to manage the situation to the best we can.”

Dr Brutus emphasised everyone should still be washing hands and wearing facemasks in enclosed spaces such as stores, public transport, etc. – especially young people and those with no known underlining health issues to prevent the spread.

One Slough magazines have been distributed to residents where they can raise issues or questions to the outbreak board for answers.

The meeting convened on August 5 (Wednesday).