It has been confirmed that this week, schools in Bedford Borough recorded the highest number of Covid cases since the start of the pandemic.
Numbers had more than doubled on the previous week’s statistics and reflect the increasing rates of transmission among school-age children and also record numbers using lateral flow tests to detect infections early.
A Borough Council spokesperson said: “On Monday 17 January educational settings reported a total of 706 positive COVID-19 cases to the Council, including 632 children and young people.
“This was the single highest number of daily cases reported so far during the pandemic, and more than twice the previous record which was 298 cases reported last Monday.”
“It is important that everyone reports their lateral flow test results to NHS Test & Trace – especially if they are positive – so they can get advice and support during self-isolation and to ensure that close contacts are alerted.
“Lateral flow test results can be reported by calling 119 or visit gov.uk/report-covid19-result.”
Today (Wednesday) the government announced its decision to reduce Covid restrictions, meaning that face coverings will no longer be mandatory in schools.
Until now, national guidance from the Department of Education meant that masks must be worn in communal areas unless the pupil was exempt.
