Health chiefs in Bedford Borough have asked Bedfordians to “all do what we can to keep everyone safe” from COVID-19 (coronavirus) ahead of the so-called ‘freedom day’ on next Monday (19 July).
From next week, the rules on what we can and can’t do will be changing, but with infection rates increasing in the Borough, the Council is asking residents to keep:
- Taking a free test if you have symptoms and get the vaccine if you are 18 or over
- Self-isolate if told to do so by NHS test and trace
- Wear a face-covering indoors, in busy places and on public transport (if you can)
- Where possible, keep your distance from people that you don’t live with
- Try and meet outdoors rather than indoors, and test twice a week with a rapid lateral flow test to keep your friends and family safe.
Recent figures show that cases in Bedford Borough have more than doubled in the last week among people aged under 40.
The highest increase has been among those aged 11-22.
Latest snapshot
The local covid ‘snapshot’ issued this afternoon highlighted:
- 8,509 people PCR tested
- 453 COVID-19 cases
- 261.4 cases per 100,000 people (up from 209.5 the week before)
But there has just been one death registered involvingCOVID-19 between 26 June to 2 July. This is down one from the previous seven days.
Even so, we are still being reminded to look out for symptoms and arrange a PCR test as soon as possible, if you are in any doubt.
If you are 18 or over you are also urged to get both your vaccinations.
Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing said, “While this move to Step Four in the government’s roadmap brings us all a little closer to normality, we have to remember that COVID-19 has not gone away and we continue to see cases increase locally.
“Some people are still at increased risk of serious illness, so it’s important that we all do what we can to keep everyone safe…”
“…please, get vaccinated so we can back to the things we love.”
Drop-ins for COVID-19 vaccination are available for everyone aged 18 or over in Bedford Borough, with no appointment necessary, at Bedford Heights, Manton Lane and at some pharmacies.
Second doses are only available after eight weeks from your first vaccine.
For more information on vaccinations and for opening times visit blmkccg.nhs.uk/drop-in.
More details on testing is available on the council’s website bedford.gov.uk/covid-19-testing.
