New track and trace app reveals Bedford's risk level is medium

The new NHS Covid app has revealed Bedford has a medium risk level of the virus.

Launched yesterday (September 24), the app - which can be downloaded via here - includes a QR scanner so that people can quickly check into venues from their phone. When someone enters a venue and scans an official NHS QR code poster, the venue information will be logged on the user’s phone.

When you first register for the app, you have to enter the first part of your postcode so you can be notified when your area’s risk level changes. For Bedford, the risk right now is medium, which should come as no surprise as cases continue to rise in the town and county.

In England, this means your local authority, or a neighbouring local authority, has high or rising levels of infection, according to the NHS, which also claims the app shouldn't drain your battery or affect your privacyTo support the launch of the app businesses and venues such as pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, cinemas, community centres and village halls should download a QR code for their venues to be displayed at the entrance to the building for people to scan themselves in. To register your venue and download a QR code visit hereCllr Louise Jackson, portfolio holder for public health and wellbeing, said: “It’s vital that we all do everything we can to support the test and trace system so we can take urgent action if we come into contact with someone who tests positive.”