Surge Testing in Bedford Borough coming to an end

For the past few weeks surge testing has been taking place in the Cauldwell, Kingsbrook and Queens Park areas of Bedford Borough, to identify as many positive cases as possible and break chains of transmission.

Bedford Borough Council would like to the thank residents in these areas who took up the offer of a free PCR test at either a Mobile Testing Unit site, a collect and drop off site or during the recent door-to-door distribution of testing kits. 3,785 people so far have taken a test at one of our special mobile testing units and more than 17,000 tests have been handed out as part of the surge testing programme. Residents who have yet to return their completed test can do so by dropping them at the Prebend Street or University of Bedfordshire testing sites, or by posting them in a priority post box.

With case numbers in those areas now stable or falling surge testing will come to an end and the special mobile testing units will stop tomorrow Friday 11 June.

Councillor Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing said, "Thank you to everyone, volunteers, staff and partners who helped with leafleting and handing out test kits, and thank you to all the residents who took a free PCR test. We are stopping surge testing in these areas but Coronavirus has not gone away. Please continue to be cautious. Wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering, keep social distancing, meet up outside if you can and avoid crowded places. With the weather improving, take the opportunity to meet with friends and family outdoors where fresh air can blow away any COVID particles. Remember Hands-Face-Space-Fresh Air and I encourage all adults to book their vaccine appointment."

Anyone with symptoms of Coronavirus must self-isolate and book a test at gov.uk/coronavirus, visit the NHS COVID-19 app or call 119.

If you do test positive, you must self-isolate to protect others but you may be eligible for financial assistance and other support. For more information visit: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/public-health/coronavirus/test-and-trace-support-payment/

All over 18s in Bedford Borough can book their first vaccination at Kings House or the Guru Nanak Temple by calling 01234 718077, or by visiting www.bedford.gov.uk/vaccinations and using the online booking system.

Over 25s can book their vaccination through the national booking system by visiting www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or calling 119.