This is the recorded total of Covid related deaths in Bedford since the start of the pandemic and how many people have been vaccinated so far

As the UK passes the grim milestone of 100,000 Covid deaths, we reveal how the pandemic has impacted Bedford.

Cases rose sharply last year, overtaking nearby Milton Keynes and made for some depressing reading.

But as we see figures slow down for Bedford - with 68 new cases recorded on Monday and just 35 yesterday - could it be the lockdown is beginning to work?

Currently, Bedford has 11,135 confirmed cases of the virus, according to Public Health England. Unfortunately however, the number of patients who have recovered from Covid-19 isn't revealed, so we never get a true picture of how many people are currently infected.

There were five deaths in Bedford yesterday, bringing the grim recorded total to 362 within 28 days of a positive test since the start of the pandemic. That figure is lower than nearby Luton with 379 deaths and Central Bedfordshire with 447.

And what about vaccinations in the town?

The latest data - accurate up until January 17 - shows that 47,551 people have received their first doses in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Luton, with no specific breakdown for Bedford.

Of the 47,551 vaccinations carried out by Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, 22,292 were carried out on people aged over 80, with 25,259 going to those aged under 80.

Second doses of the vaccine have been administered to 4,062 citizens in the area over 80, whilst 624 under 80s in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have received a second jab.

And on Monday, Bedford Today revealed how residents had been "let down" as one of the town's vaccination centres closed this week due to a supply shortage.According to the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the centre at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Temple in Queen’s Park would not be offering appointments all week.

Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin wrote to the health secretary, demanding answers, as did the mayor Dave Hodgson.

Mr Yasin said: "Bedford and Kempston residents are being left to wait, whilst the Covid-19 case rate is alarmingly high."

Mr Hodgson added: “I am bitterly disappointed with the lack of vaccines in Bedford borough which has led to the Gurdwara in Queen's Park temporarily closing this week."