Omicron Reading: Covid cases reach highest peak of pandemic

Public Health England reported a third more new infections than the peak of the second wave in the town, as Omicron surges throughout the country.

A total of 327 coronavirus cases were detected in Reading on December 15, compared to 245 on January 4, two days before the country's third national lockdown.

There continues to be uncertainty in England over Covid restrictions after the Cabinet on Monday failed to reach a decision, though Mr Johnson said the Government will “reserve the possibility” of implementing new restrictions.

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England currently has the most relaxed rules in the UK, but a recent vote in Parliament saw some measures introduced, including Covid passes for entry into nightclubs and other venues as of December 15.

This applies to indoor events with 500 or more attendees where people are likely to stand or move around, such as music venues, outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees, such as music festivals, and any events with 10,000 or more attendees, whether indoors or outdoors, such as sports stadiums.

Daily cases of Covid-19 in Reading

Face coverings have also been made compulsory in most indoor public settings, as well as on public transport, and people have been told to work from home if they can.

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England’s guidance is that people should work from home if they can. Anyone who cannot work from home should continue to go in to work – but is encouraged to consider taking lateral flow tests regularly.

The number of coronavirus cases in Reading increased by 776 over the weekend, official figures show.

The rate of infection in Reading now stands at 17,844 cases per 100,000 people, higher than the England average of 17,208.