In the last few weeks, the NHS has noticed a decrease in the number of people aged between 18 and 29, and also between 30 and 39 getting their COVID-19 vaccination. Uptake is still below 80 per cent for both age groups.

As we move into the colder months, and with virtually no COVID-19 restrictions in place, getting protected against the virus has never been more important. While the COVID-19 vaccination offer does not expire, we’d like to encourage any person who has been putting off having either their first or second vaccine, to easily book an appointment without delay.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, make sure you arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible. This still applies even if you have received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Lateral flow (rapid) testing helps to identify cases of the virus where people have no symptoms. As of this week, you now need a collect code to pick up lateral flow tests from a pharmacy. You can get a collect code either online via the Government website or by calling 119.

From 28 September to 4 October, there were 498 new COVID-19 cases in Swindon, down from 1,064 the previous week.

As of today (8 October), the COVID-19 case rate in Swindon is 223 per 100k, down from 477 last week. The South West average is 290 per 100k, while the England average is 335 per 100k.

A further 140 residents have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, bringing the total number of people aged 18 and over vaccinated with the first dose to 163,479 (85.3%).

A total of 778 residents have had their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, bringing the total number of Swindon residents aged 18 and over who are fully vaccinated to 154,890 (80.8%).

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The traffic light system for international travel no longer applies. Instead, there is now a single red list. If you’re travelling to the UK from a non-red list country or territory and are eligible under fully vaccinated rules, you only need to take a test on day two after you arrive.

The Government confirmed that eligible fully vaccinated passengers (including under 18s) returning from a country not on the red list will have the option to replace their day two test with a cheaper lateral flow test, followed by a free PCR test if positive, reducing the cost of tests on arrival into England.

It's World Mental Health Day on Sunday (10 October), but every day is a good time to start thinking about your own mental health, and how you can help others too.

There are often little things we can all do to help deal with stress and anxiety, improve our sleep and boost our mood. So why not get started with a free plan and tips from Every Mind Matters?

The new Cultural Heritage Institute (CHI) has officially been opened by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) at the Carriage Works on London Street, thanks to a £1.5m investment from the Council.  

The new purpose-converted centre is occupied by the RAU to help bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. The CHI will offer a number of postgraduate courses, from archaeology to historic environment management, to people across the country.

Opening the institute is another positive step forward for the town centre. The area must adapt to a changing world which means it must diversify away from the traditional reliance on shops.

We’re likely to see more buildings converted into homes, leisure activities, work places and educational facilities such as this. The Council’s planning policies can support this transition, but progress ultimately relies on businesses and organisations, like the RAU, bringing forward viable plans.

You may have seen that Zurich is currently in the process of constructing its new state-of-the-art offices, named Unity Place, along Fleming Way as part of the Kimmerfields development. But what you might not know is sustainability has been placed at the forefront of this project.

Unity Place will be supplied by renewable sources and will be single-use plastic free. Electric car charging points and additional cycling facilities (including secure storage, a bike repair station and more showering facilities) will be put in place. Zurich is also looking to install a beehive on the roof and bird and bat boxes in the space outside the building. It will also be collecting rainwater to water the plants on site.

Ahead of moving from its current office, Zurich will be recycling, donating and rehoming its furniture and supplies to prevent anything going to landfill.

Find out more about the work Zurich is doing around sustainability and you can find out what you can do to play your part to tackle climate change by visiting the Be the Change webpages.

Children from across Swindon will be raising money for two charities while also increasing awareness about reducing violence in Swindon at a fundraiser football tournament tomorrow (9 October).

If you fancy coming along and donating to charity, the mixed-team 7-a-side games will be held from 12pm to 3pm at Foundation Park, County Lane, SN1 2FD.

If you know someone who is aged 15-18 and would like to play, please make sure they register before.

Alzheimer’s Swindon and Afghan refugee charities were picked by the teenagers, who also helped to organise the event for tomorrow, along with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation and the Council.

STEAM has announced that tickets are now on sale for its Christmas extravaganza, taking place on 4 and 5 December 2021. Visitors will have the chance to browse over 50 artisan market stalls, displayed amongst award-winning displays and iconic locomotives.

Standard admission is £3.50 for adults, £2.25 for seniors & students and £1 for children (3 - 15 years). Under 3s go free!

Santa will be making an appearance over the weekend with the return of his popular story-time sessions, which costs £8 per child, in addition to admission.

The safety of visitors, staff and volunteers remains STEAM’s number one priority. Capacity will be limited, so tickets must be booked in advance via the STEAM website.

Did your family take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge? It was all about the Wild World Heroes, with some amazing books and rewards all about taking care of our local environment.

If you took part in the challenge this year, you weren’t alone. In fact:

• 617 children registered online for the challenge
• 432 children requested a lucky dip book chosen by our expert librarians 
• Over 1,400 Summer Reading Challenge bags and books were handed out

If you’d like to take part in future activities with our libraries, visit our website for more info and to find out how to join.

If you’re a smoker, quitting smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. But it’s also one of the best things you can do for your wallet too. In 2021, the average smoker could save £5.21 a day, £36.47 a week, £156.30 a month and £1,875.60 a year by stopping smoking. What could you afford with that extra money in your pocket?

This Stoptober, join over two million people who have already made a quit attempt, and find a combination of quit-smoking tools and support that’s right for you. To find out how to take part visit the NHS website, or take a look at our website for the details of local smoking support services.

“We know that there is some confusion amongst women regarding the vaccine, but if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, please have the vaccine as soon as possible.”

Sadly, staff at Great Western Hospital (GWH) have recently seen an increase in pregnant women needing intensive care at GWH. This is incredibly distressing for all involved, as it means that sometimes the baby needs to be delivered early so that mum can receive the care she needs. Click play on the video above to hear from staff at GWH’s Intensive Care Unit, including Charge Nurse Zdenek, who wants to share his personal experience of the vaccine in pregnancy, as his wife is currently expecting twins.

1. What’s the current COVID-19 guidance to keep me and others safe?
2. What is an NHS COVID Pass and how can I get one?
3. When should I self-isolate and what do I need to do?
4. What should I do if someone in my household has COVID-19?
5. What is a close contact?
6. What should I do if I have been in close contact with, but don’t live with, someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?
7. What alerts will the NHS COVID-19 app send me?
8. Should pregnant women get the vaccine?
9. How can I get tested for COVID-19?
10. What are the rules for entering England?