TWO Berkshire councils have set the record straight saying they are not close to a local lockdown.

This follows national headlines claiming that Slough, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM), and other 34 areas were at risk of local lockdowns due to rising Covid-19 cases.

Both Berkshire councils have released statements disputing this claim saying they are not close or at risk of a local lockdown.

The city of Leicester recently announced it will enter a local lockdown – forcing non-essential businesses and schools to close for two weeks following a spike in coronavirus cases.

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Some papers claim that Slough’s cases have risen by 50 per cent, but in a statement released by Slough Council, bosses said the data reported is using percentage increases in local cases without reference to the very small number of cases involved.

It states: “This data shows Slough has two new cases in one week and three the following week, which though a 50 per cent increase, is very small numbers in a population of around 150,000 people.

“As a local authority and with our health partners, we are keeping a very close eye on the data available for Slough and working to improve the data we are receiving so we can take action swiftly if we need to.”

They added: “However, we would like to reassure residents we are not currently at risk of a local lockdown and people should not worry unduly, but be sensible and take appropriate measures to protect themselves, their families and communities.”

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RBWM tweeted there have only been two confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past two weeks and the rates per 100,000 population have remained ‘significantly lower’ than the South East and England’s rates since mid-April.

Both councils have advised residents to continue to follow social distancing, government guidance, and continue washing hands.