Council publishes coronavirus outbreak plan for Bedford as infection rates remain high

People are still being asked to stay at home as much as possible
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Bedford Borough Council has published its Local Outbreak Control Plan, setting out how it will respond if there is a fresh coronavirus outbreak in Bedford.

With the introduction of the NHS Test and Trace programme all councils were asked to produce a Local Outbreak Control Plan. These plans set out how local authorities will work with communities to slow the spread of infection.

As a key part of the NHS Test and Trace programme, the plan also describes how any resident developing symptoms associated with COVID-19 can get tested and how mobile testing units may be used to provide tests to specific locations within the borough.

Bedford (Google)Bedford (Google)
Bedford (Google)

While Bedford is not currently seeing a spike in the virus - as seen in Leicester - rates of infection remain high compared to other areas and the council is still urging people to stay at home as much as possible. If you need to go out keep two metres apart, wear a face covering (particularly on public transport), and regularly wash your hands.

Bedford Borough Council is working with Public Health England and the Joint Biosecurity Centre to investigate why rates of infection here aren’t falling as quickly as other areas and take action to bring the rates down.

Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson, said: “In the case of an outbreak we need to act quickly to stop the spread of the virus and protect lives. This may mean taking action to close a school, workplace or care home while supporting those affected.

"It also reiterates the action we can all take to reduce the spread of the virus in the first place so that we can continue to stay safe and avoid a return to lockdown.”

Bedford mayor, Dave HodgsonBedford mayor, Dave Hodgson
Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson

“We’ve seen in places like Leicester sudden spikes of the virus leading to a local lockdown.

"In Bedford borough, we haven’t seen a big spike in infections yet but our rates remain high compared to the rest of the south of England.

"To avoid a local lockdown, we need everyone to keep acting responsibly to slow the spread of the virus. It is crucial that we all continue to stay at home as much as possible."

The plan will be formally endorsed by the Member Local Outbreak Engagement Board when it meets tomorrow (July 2)