Coronavirus Tier Two Restrictions

As you will have seen the Government has placed Bedford Borough in the new Tier Two - High Alert category for the new Coronavirus restrictions.

We have actually seen a reduction in cases in Bedford Borough in the week to 25th November with 223 cases, down 68 from the previous week, but it is still far too high. Our weekly positive cases is now at 128.7 per 100,000 population. Sadly we have had an increase in our number of deaths, with 6 in the week to 13th November. We are also seeing an increase in the number of inpatients with Coronavirus in the Bedford and Luton & Dunstable hospital sites. You can see the latest snapshot here.

Bedford Borough has been grouped with Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes in a sub-region. This means it is not only our number of Coronavirus cases, positivity and behaviour that determines our restrictions but also those of these neighbouring authorities.

Tier Two means:

• you must not meet indoors with anyone you do not live with or who isn't in your support bubble.
• groups of no more than six people can meet outdoors, including in a private garden
• pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals, and must stop taking orders at 10pm and close by 11pm
• indoor leisure centres and entertainment venues can open
• organised outdoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can take place
• organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live/bubble with

In addition, shops will be open, personal care services such as hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons will be open, and places of worship can hold communal worship services but people must not socialise with individuals outside their household/support bubble. You can read more about the Tier Two regulations at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic the Council has been supporting businesses including pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops that have had to close and we will continue to do so. Many individuals and businesses have been hit hard, and the new restrictions will particularly impact on our hospitality industry, so I am calling on the Government to ensure far more support is provided. If additional support is not forthcoming many pubs, restaurants and other businesses will be forced to close forever. The Government urgently needs to address this."

The Government has also announced up to three households can meet indoors over a 5-day Christmas period between 23th and 27th December. You can read more about Christmas Bubbles at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family

Coronavirus infections in Bedford Borough are still high so please be cautious and do everything you can to keep slowing the spread of coronavirus. It is important that everyone continues to minimise social contact with those outside of their household, washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering if you can, and keeping 2m apart from other people. By doing this you will be helping to keep yourself, your friends and family, and your community safe.