Bedford Borough reaches over 10,000 Coronavirus cases

Bedford Borough has had over 10,000 positive cases of Coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.

According to Government data, there have now been 10,595 positive cases of Coronavirus in Bedford Borough*, which equates to around 1 in 16 people having tested positive for the virus.

The new variant of Coronavirus is spreading fast and it's been estimated that one in three people who have the virus do not display any symptoms.

That is why it's important that everyone acts like they've got it. Only leave your home for the permitted reasons including work if you cannot work from home, buying essentials or seeking medical attention, or for your daily exercise. If you are going out, remember to wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering, and make space by keeping at least 2m from others.

If you develop any symptoms of Coronavirus - a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss/change to your sense of smell or taste, self-isolate immediately and book a test.

You should self-isolate if:

• you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• you have had a positive test for COVID-19
• you live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive
• you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, the NHS COVID-19 app, your workplace or education setting, or the Local Contact Tracing Team

It's really important that you self-isolate when instructed to, and for the full amount of time.

If you are self-isolating there is support available to help people on low income who cannot work from home and will lose income. Support may be available to you whether you have never claimed benefits before, or if your current benefits are no longer enough. There is information about this support on the Council's website at www.bedford.gov.uk/covid19

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Bedford Borough has had more than 10,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, and tragically 287 people have died. To help slow the spread, we are reminding everyone of the importance of abiding by the lockdown regulations, r emembering hands, face, space when you do need to go out, and the vital need to self-isolate when instructed to do so.The vaccine rollout has begun. We all need to pull together, play our part, and keep ourselves, our friends and families and our communities safe."

*This figure was extracted from the Government website - https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/cases on Friday 22 January.