Surge testing extended in Bedford as cases of Indian variant rise

With cases of Covid-19 continuing to rise in Bedford surge testing will continue in the town's three main areas of concern.

In the latest recorded period up to May 19, there were 345 confirmed cases of the Indian variant in Bedford borough, accounting for an estimated 90 per cent of cases.

So surge testing in Kingsbrook, Cauldwell and Queen's Park is being extended for a further week.

It started last week as Bedford recorded the second highest rate per 100,000 in the country. More than 2,000 residents have visited the mobile testing units with a further 1,500 testing kits given out at collection and drop-off points.

Mobile testing units will continue to be available, seven days a week at:

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

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

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

The mobile testing units accept people in cars and on foot, and no appointment is necessary.

Alternatively collect and drop-off points for PCR tests, to be carried out at home, will be available at Tesco car park, Cardington Road, Morrisons car park, Ampthill Road and Queen's Park Community Centre. All open every day except Bank Holiday Monday.

Visit here for the latest timingsCllr Louise Jackson, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “With cases continuing to rise we’re asking everyone to do everything they can to drive down the spread of the virus. With a third of cases not showing any symptoms you could unknowingly pass the virus on to others.

“To identify and stop the spread we are asking everyone in Cauldwell, Kingsbrook or Queen's Park to get tested.

“If you don’t live in the surge testing areas we’re encouraging everyone to carry out twice weekly rapid tests so that we can protect each other, drive down our infection rates, and safely get back to the things we’ve all missed.”