Bedford mayor urges everyone to stay at home on New Year's Eve as cases soar

With record numbers being treated for Covid-19 at Bedford Hospital, the mayor is asking residents to play their part on New Year’s Eve by staying home.

Following the Government’s decision to keep Bedford in Tier 4, with over 600 cases per 100,000, the highest recorded, and over 100 people in Bedford Hospital being treated for Covid-19, the mayor is appealing for everyone not to flout the rules.

Tier 4 restrictions mean residents must stay at home, apart from limited exceptions. Within Tier 4 people cannot meet indoors with people from other households, including for New Year's Eve, unless they are part of a support bubble. Outdoors, people can only meet one person from another household in a public space.

By reducing contact with others, keeping rooms well ventilated, wearing a face covering where required, keeping a safe social distance and washing your hands regularly, you will help to reduce the spread.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, but cases of Covid-19 are continuing to rise in the borough and remain a serious cause for concern.

"We must do all we can to protect our friends and family, protect our communities and protect our NHS from being overwhelmed.

“I urge everyone in Bedford to keep to the rules and to have a safe and small new year as we look forward to a better 2021.”

Anyone with symptoms must immediately self-isolate for seven days and should only leave the house to access a test.

Regional and local test sites will operate on slightly reduced hours on some public holidays as well as on New Year’s Eve but will be open as normal on other days.

To book a site test or a home test visit here or call 119 between 7am and 11pm.