Covid-19 cases in Bedford rise among the under 40s - with the council urging residents to stay cautious as restrictions ease

With Covid rates increasing rapidly again in Bedford the council is urging residents to be careful ahead of the easing of restrictions next week.

As Bedford Today revealed on Friday (May 7), Bedford Borough Council has been notified of cases of a Covid-19 variant of concern - first identified in India.

Working with Public Health England and the DHSC, the council, as a precautionary measure, has arranged additional testing of close contacts.

The rise in cases in Bedford borough is mostly among people aged under 40, with the highest increase among those aged 11-22.

And with further restrictions easing from Monday (May 17) - including six people or two households being able to meet indoors - the council is urging parents to be additionally cautious at the moment; and if in doubt, keep their child off school and arrange a PCR test.

Cllr Louise Jackson, portfolio holder for health wellbeing said: “I understand this may cause concern, but I’d like to reassure residents that we continue to work closely with Public Health England to minimise the spread.

“The best way to help stop the spread of all variants is to continue to follow the guidance – Hands, Face, Space and if you’re meeting with friends or family stay outside where fresh air can disperse the virus.”

Vicky Head, director of Public Health, added: “It’s really important that people get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible; anyone over 40 can now be vaccinated and there is good availability for appointments at the moment.

“Everyone in the borough is also encouraged to take up the offer of twice weekly rapid testing so that we can stop the spread of the virus. People without symptoms can drop in to the rapid test centre at the Faraday Community Centre, off Elstow Road, Bedford.

“No appointment is needed and results come back in less than an hour. Home test kits can also be collected from the test centres, some pharmacies and libraries or ordered online.”

Vaccine appointments can be booked line through the national booking system or by calling 119.

More details on testing are available on the council's website