UPDATE: Total of 10 people diagnosed with coronavirus in Bedford and 28 in Central Beds

As of today (Thursday) the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bedford is 10, with three new cases.

But the true number of cases is thought to be far higher with many people not being tested.

Neighbouring Central Bedfordshire has four more cases, bringing the total to 28 and Luton now has 30, with one more case.

These increases mean the total number of cases in Bedfordshire is 68, lower than Buckinghamshire (66) but lower than nearby Hertfordshire (170).

London still has had the fastest growing number of cases across the UK, with the highest numbers found in the boroughs of Lambeth (248), Southwark (253) and Brent (228).

Nationally, the number of coronavirus cases stands at 11,658 - 2,129 new cases today. The number of deaths has been recorded as 578.

On Monday, the government announced tougher social distancing measures, with all outdoor activities prohibited except for food shopping, one daily exercise, treatment of a condition and any essential travel for work.

Yesterday (Wednesday), the Department for Transport announced that vehicle owners in Britain will be granted a six-month exemption from MoT testing.

A show of appreciation to pay tribute to NHS workers is planned for 8pm tonight (Thursday).