Coronavirus latest: Spike of 32 new cases in Bedford today as UK death toll passes 40,000 milestone

It brings the number of confirmed infections in the borough to 685.

Elsewhere in the county, Central Bedfordshire had a relatively high increase today at 671 (+18) while Luton stands at 781 (+4).

Across the UK, 283,311 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, up by 1,650 since yesterday.

Another grim milestone was reached as the UK death toll passed the 40,000 mark. A total of 40,261 people have died, increasing by 357 in the past 24 hours.

At today's coronavirus daily briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that all hospital staff, visitors and outpatients must wear face coverings from June 15, with further guidance to be issued to NHS Hospital Trusts.

He said that 7,080 people remain in hospital with COVID-19, down from 8,285 last week.

Mr Hancock also urged the public not to attend Black Lives Matters protests planned across the country tomorrow (Saturday) for fears of spreading the virus.