Cases of coronavirus in Bedford have halved in the last seven days according to new figures released by Bedford Borough Council.
The Borough has reported 5.8 cases per 100,000 between 10 – 16 August, that’s down 6.3 on the previous week, continuing to show a reduction in infections of COVID-19 locally.
Previously (3 Aug – 9 Aug ) the cases per 100,000 stood at around 11, which in itself was a drop on the previous week (27 Jul – 2 Aug) of 19.6.
There have been 1,401 cases recorded in the Borough in total.
In addition there has been one further death in the last seven days taking the total number of deaths since 1 January to 174.
23,596 people have been tested so far.
While the figures will be welcome news for many, the Mayor has still said “we cannot be complacent”.
Bedford Borough Council recently warned businesses not helping support social distancing guidelines issued by the Government that they will involve the police if necessary.
“Businesses in Bedford Borough continue to work hard to adapt and keep up to date with government guidelines to allow them to open safely,” said Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing.
“We’re speaking to businesses where this appears to be a problem and have contacted the Police who have the powers to take enforcement action if people are failing to follow the rules”.
Read: Council issues social distancing reminder in response to Bedford pub queue
The council has been criticised for the slow re-opening of public facilities, such as libraries and swimming pools, but they maintain this is in response to previously high infection rates in the area.
The Government had warned earlier this month that Bedford was in danger of being placed in local lockdown
Read: Bedford in danger of local lockdown, Government warns
However, measures put in place after a ‘deep-dive’ investigation into the reason why Bedford’s cases weren’t dropping in-line with the national average, seem to be working.
Read: Bedford Hospital and healthcare providers focus of covid infection ‘deep dive’
Bedford Borough Council is urging residents to continue to help avoid a local lockdown by:
- keeping two-metres apart from people other than those you live with
- avoiding gatherings
- wearing a face covering if you can
- washing your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds
- use a hand sanitiser.
A walk-in testing centre was also recently opened, offering tests seven days a week.
Read: New Covid-19 walk-in testing centre opens on Prebend Street
The tests are free and can be booked at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
