Bedford Borough Council urges caution this weekend

Infection rates in Bedford Borough are high compared to other places in the South, so Bedford Borough Council is urging people to be careful this weekend.

The Government announced that pubs and restaurants across England could open from Saturday 4 July.

However locally, while we are not currently seeing a spike in the virus, rates of infection are high compared to other areas.

To avoid the risk of a local lockdown, slow the spread of the virus and save lives, people locally are being urged to stay at home as much as possible this weekend. If you do need to go out keep two metres apart, wear a face covering (particularly on public transport), and regularly wash your hands.

With the local high infection rate, the Council has made the decision to keep children's play areas, Bedford Borough libraries, and The Higgins Bedford closed for the time being. There are plans in place to reopen these facilities and we are keeping this decision under review.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "The Council does not have blanket powers to keep pubs and restaurants closed, but I know a number of pubs and restaurants have chosen to keep their doors closed this weekend due to the local high infection rate. I know that would not have been an easy decision. The more that people are able to stay at home and keep their distance from others when they do have to go out, the quicker we can all slow the spread of this virus, avoid a local lockdown, and we can all enjoy a drink and a meal with family and friends that much sooner."