New Coronavirus rules regarding the Omicron variant

On Saturday, the Prime Minister announced a number of measures to combat Coronavirus following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK.

These include making face coverings compulsory on public transport and in shops again and changes to testing and isolation rules for those entering the UK from overseas.

We have now had confirmation that the rules relating to compulsory face coverings on public transport and in shops will come into effect on Tuesday. These new rules should not stop us enjoying Christmas and there are plenty of events across Bedford Borough that are either outside or can be enjoyed safely inside.

From Wednesday the Christmas Angels and Elves Trail starts in Bedford Town Centre, find out more including where to collect or print off your map here. Also, on Wednesday the Christmas Tree Festival starts at St Paul's, you find out more about this event here.

Next weekend we will have the first of the Festive Weekends in Bedford Town Centre including a special Eat Feast in Riverside Square and on Saturday it is Small Business Saturday which is an excellent opportunity to shop local at our wonderful independent shops.

You can read further detail of the Prime Minister's announcement at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-sets-out-new-measures-as-omicron-variant-identified-in-uk-27-november-2021