Bedford Borough Council urges residents to continue to remain cautious

Following the Prime Minister's briefing this week (Monday 12 July) the rules on what we can and can't do will be changing from Monday 19 July.

With rates increasing in Bedford Borough, the Council is asking residents to continue to exercise caution and common sense, and continue to:

• take a free test if you have symptoms and get the vaccine if you are 18 or over.
• self-isolate if told to do so by NHS test and trace.
• if you can, wear a face covering indoors, in busy places and on public transport and, where possible, keep your distance from people that you don't live with.
• try and meet outdoors rather than indoors, and test twice a week with a rapid lateral flow test to keep your friends and family safe.

Cases in Bedford Borough have more than doubled in the last week and remain mostly among people aged under 40, with the highest increase among those aged 11-22. Please look out for symptoms and if you are in any doubt, arrange a PCR test as soon as possible. If you are 18 or over, get both your vaccinations.

While this move to Step Four in the government's roadmap brings us all a little closer to normality, we have to remember that Coronavirus has not gone away and we continue to see cases increase locally. Some people are still at increased risk of serious illness, so it's important that we all do what we can to keep everyone safe.

Thank you to everyone in Bedford Borough who has had their vaccine, played their part by self-isolating and continued to use the rapid Coronavirus tests at home. You are making a huge difference in helping to keep our communities safe.

We are strongly encouraging everyone to keep wearing their face covering indoors, in busy places and on public transport and, where possible, to keep social distancing. When meeting with friends or family, it's safer to stay outside where the fresh air can disperse the virus.

Drop-ins for Coronavirus vaccination are available for everyone aged 18 or over in Bedford Borough, with no appointment necessary, at Bedford Heights, Manton Lane and at some pharmacies. Second doses are available from eight weeks so make sure you get that crucial second dose to give you that extra level of protection.

For more information on vaccinations and for opening times visit www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/drop-in

More details on testing is available on the council's website www.bedford.gov.uk/covid-19-testing/