Council urges Bedford people to be proactive as surge testing continues due to Indian variant

People who live, work or study in the areas of Cauldwell, Kingsbrook, Queen's Park and the Wixams are being strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 PCR test this week.

More than 1,500 people have already taken a PCR test as part of surge testing which began in Bedford borough last week.

With cases in the town still rising due to the Indian variant and with the third highest Covid-19 rate in the country, the Government is advising Bedford people to avoid travelling in and out of the town unless it's essentialHowever, ministers have come under fire after they failed to make a widespread announcement or tell the council of the new guidance - and just posted it on their website on Friday night insteadUntil Friday (May 28), mobile testing units are available at:

Oasis Beach Pool, Cardington Road, MK42 0BZ (8am to 6pm)

John Bunyan Sports and Fitness, Mile Road, MK42 9TS (8am to 6pm)

Enterprise House, Old Ford End Road, MK40 4PF (8am to 5pm)

Seasons Garden Centre, Bedford Road, Wixams, MK45 3HU (8.30am to 6pm)

These units accept people in cars and on foot, and no appointment is necessary.

Collect and drop-off points are available for those who prefer to test at home at:

London Road Surgery

Morrisons car park on Ampthill Road (this replaces Cauldwell Community Centre)

Queens Park Community Centre

Lakeview Village Hall at the Wixams

Cllr Louise Jackson, portfolio holder for Public Health, said: “It’s vital that everyone who lives, works or studies in Cauldwell, Kingsbrook, Queen's Park and the Wixams take a Covid-19 PCR test.

"We have already found 14 additional Covid-19 cases as a result of this surge testing, and those people are self-isolating - protecting others. Support to isolate is available, including a £700 payment for people on low incomes."