Bedford's Public Health team urges residents to play their part to help reduce infections

Bedford's Public Health team are urging residents to play their part and help reduce the spread of coronavirus in the borough.

The team has created a video explaining how the Test and Trace system works, why it is an important part of the effort to reduce infections, and how the public can help.

The Test and Trace service

- ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus can be tested to find out if they have the virus

- helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus.

If you develop symptoms of coronavirus- a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss/change in your sense of smell/taste- you must self-isolate with other members of your household and get a test to find out if you have coronavirus.

If you test positive for coronavirus, share information about your recent contacts through NHS Test and Trace to help alert other people who may need to self-isolate.

If you have had close recent contact with someone who has coronavirus, you must self-isolate if Test and Trace advises you to do so.

Director of Public Health, Vicky Head said: "We're working really hard to help control the spread of the virus through the Test and Trace system.

"But you can help too, simply by picking up the phone and talking to us.

"This can make a really big difference so please do talk to us. Thank you."

You can also see the video here.

If you need to book a coronavirus test click here. With the announcement that Bedford Borough will be going into Tier Two- High Level from Wednesday and relaxations of the restrictions over Christmas, it is really important that everyone does everything they can to slow the spread of coronavirus.

By minimising social contact with those outside of your household, by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering if you can, and keeping 2m apart from other people you will be helping to keep yourself, your friends and family, and your community safe.