Record high of Coronavirus cases in Bedford Borough

Bedford Borough has hit a new record high of Coronavirus cases, exceeding 1,000 per 100,000 for the first time.

The figures for the 7 days from 29 December to 4 January show that there were 1,752 cases in Bedford Borough or 1,011 per 100,000 population. This means that 1 in 100 people in Bedford Borough tested positive for Coronavirus in just 7 days.

Coronavirus cases have been rising dramatically across the country, and sadly hospital admissions have been rising too placing the NHS and the care sector under huge pressure.

With this new milestone, Bedford Borough Council is again urging residents to play their part and stay at home.

England is under a national lockdown with the law requiring everyone to stay at home as much as possible. You may leave your home to:

• shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
• go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
• exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
• meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
• seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
• attend education or childcare - for those eligible

Vicky Head, Director of Public Health at Bedford Borough Council said "This new milestone is a very unwelcome one, and really does show how much cases are increasing with the new variant of coronavirus spreading more easily. Coronavirus cases are increasing. Every single person must play their part. Please stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."