Bedford residents urged to follow restrictions to stop Covid-19 spread over the Christmas period

"The ‘stay at home’ order in Tier 4 is now law," says mayor
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Bedfordshire Police, health and council bosses have joined forces to urge residents to play their part and abide by Tier 4 restrictions over the Christmas period.

The restrictions mean residents in Bedfordshire must stay at home, apart from limited exceptions.

People cannot meet indoors with people from other households, including over the Christmas and new year period, unless they are part of a support bubble - you cannot form a Christmas bubble in Tier 4. Outdoors, people can only meet one person from another household in a public space.

"The ‘stay at home’ order in Tier 4 is now law," says mayor"The ‘stay at home’ order in Tier 4 is now law," says mayor
"The ‘stay at home’ order in Tier 4 is now law," says mayor

And the call to follow the rules comes as Bedford has suffered a steep rise in new Covid-19 cases and hospital admissions.

Dr Nicola Smith, clinical chair for NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “The increase in infections is a significant cause for concern locally. We’re already seeing more patients that need urgent care as a result of Covid-19. By acting now and following the guidance, you can help reduce the spread of the virus and help keep Covid-19 hospital admissions down.”

Chief Superintendent John Murphy said: "We know how difficult and upsetting it must be for people who have been making plans to see loved ones this Christmas, particularly after all the sacrifices they have already made this year.

"Many of our officers and staff also live in Bedfordshire so personally share that disappointment, but we must remember this is a public health emergency and the rules have been put in place to keep us all safe.

Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson said: “Cases of Covid-19 are rising at an alarming rate in Bedford borough with latest figures showing that cases here are doubling every week.

“Our Environmental Health team, the Covid marshals and the police visited businesses to provide advice and support following the Tier Four announcement at the weekend. They will continue to be a presence in town and at supermarkets.

“The ‘stay at home’ order in Tier 4 is now law and we need everyone to play their part.”

Cllr James Jamieson, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council said: “Coronavirus cases have been increasing rapidly in our area over recent weeks and we are also seeing an increasing number of people needing hospital treatment due to Covid.

"Our hospitals and other NHS and care services, are always under greater pressure in the winter than at other times of the year. Everyone must play their part in protecting the NHS and saving lives by staying at home and not mixing with people they don’t live with."