THE Royal Borough has been “enhancing and improving” communications on the latest guidance as flu season is right around the corner. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently announced further coronavirus restrictions in the hopes of stopping the rising number of cases.

Some of those measures included pubs, restaurants, and bars closing at 10pm, restricting to table-service only, making masks mandatory for shop workers, bar staff, waiters, and non-seated customers, and fines for not wearing a mask or following the rules increased to £200 for first offence.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has also seen an increase in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks and the number currently stands at 634.

READ MORE: Flood protection funds demanded by Wraysbury parish council

Now with influenza season just around the corner, councillor Stuart Carroll (Conservative: Boyn Hill), lead member for health and social care, has urged everyone, particularly young people, to follow the guidance and wear masks to stop the spread of the virus.

Speaking to the Observer, Cllr Carroll, who is also an epidemiologist, said the council has been “enhancing and improving” their communications on the latest guidance to everyone including businesses, youth services, and schools.

This includes promoting basic public health protocols such as washing hands properly for 20 seconds, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing to avoid further restrictions.

Cllr Carroll said: “It’s really important that everybody plays their part, and this is everybody’s responsibility.

READ MORE: Windsor's new Town Council - the hard work begins

“It is frustrating and annoying, I fully understand that – but we’re all in this together and, ultimately, we’re only going to get of this together and that does require a strong adherence to the guidance.”

With the number of cases increasing within the borough, Cllr Carroll said it was “concerning and deeply regrettable” – but said it is vital for everyone to follow the public health measures as it’s “currently the best and only way to curb the trend” until a vaccine is developed.

This winter will be “particularly challenging”, Cllr Carroll told the Observer, as influenza and coronavirus will be mixed in together – but the Royal Borough will be “vigorously and enthusiastically” supporting the NHS to ensure many people as possible are aware to get vaccinated via communications.

He urged anyone who can get vaccinated does get immunised.

READ MORE: Windsor and Maidenhead to review high needs funded children services

Cllr Carroll also said a second or a local lockdown will be a “last resort” as it will have “sequel consequences” for businesses, employment, and people’s wellbeing and mental health.

He said: “We have to be very considered and very focused when making such decision. We will therefore continue to look at the data and the evidence.

“It is an option that can’t be ruled out whether that be nationally or certainly locally, as in empowered through our local outbreak board to consider such decisions, but it’s not something we want to jump to in the first instance. We want to make sure all other options are exhausted.”

He added: “The best way to avoid having to lockdown is for people to adhering and complying to the basic, but very important, public health protocols to avoid taking that sort of action.”