Mayor blasts Government's decision to reduce coronavirus testing in Bedford

Mayor Dave Hodgson has revealed Covid testing has been reduced by the Government in Bedford.

Expressing his disappointment in a video on Facebook here, he is still urging everyone to stick to the rules as cases in Bedford continue to rise - with 46 new cases recorded over the weekend in the townTesting had originally been available every day at Prebend Street Car Park but has now been reduced to only four days a week, with the mayor given no explanation as to why.

Mayor Dave said: “This is really disappointing and I’m urging the Test and Trace authorities to reinstate seven days.

"When we first had seven days a week testing in Bedford our infection rates were lower than they are now. So many people have worked so hard to try and bring the infection rate down and I’d urge everyone to continue to follow the rules.”

He went on to remind people to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser, wear a face covering correctly when in close proximity to others and make sure you stay two metres apart from people who aren’t in your household.