Although coronavirus infection rate in Bedford is still high, they are beginning to decline, says report

New data has revealed that while coronavirus infections are still high in the borough, they are starting to decline.

As we revealed last week, the interim findings of the deep dive in Bedford outlined that women between 30-59 have been the most affected in the borough. While there were no ‘hot spots’ in the general population the interim findings identified the highest number of cases in areas around the town centre.

The data from Public Health England and the Joint Biosecurity Centre, working with Bedford Borough Council, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Commissioning Collaborative has been released as part of a ‘deep dive’ into the town.

It's hoped it will help in the early identification of any local clusters.

And while the initial findings suggests the rate of infection looks to be improving, it remains high compared to other areas and caution is being urged to help slow the spread of the virus.

Measures to continue the downward trajectory of infection have already been put in place, including improving testing facilities at Bedford Hospital, to allow for a faster turn-around of test results.

Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson said: “We’ve seen in places like Leicester sudden spikes of the virus leading to a local lockdown. These interim findings identified that while rates remain higher than other areas in the south there are early indications they are declining.

"Work will continue to put in place measures that will help us tackle this pandemic and provide the data we need to identify local outbreaks. We all need to play our part though.

“If you go out we’re asking everyone to continue to keep two metres apart, wear a face covering (particularly on public transport), and regularly wash your hands. These simple measures are things we can all do that are key in helping to slow the spread of the virus.”

David Carter, CEO, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “This interim findings captures some of the positive steps we have taken, working with our local partners, to ensure that we are best prepared to manage the continuing challenge of COVID-19 in our community.

“I’m pleased to see the picture is improving, but, on behalf of the hospital and our staff, I’d like to urge everyone in Bedford to continue being vigilant and take every precaution to guard against this virus spreading in our community.”

Patricia Davies, accountable officer Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Coronavirus remains to be in our community and so keeping a social distance, covering our faces and washing our hands frequently is essential to ensure we don’t see a spike in cases in the weeks ahead.”

The interim findings are available here