Changes to Local Services

With Government guidance announced earlier this week to help stop the spread of coronavirus, Bedford Borough Council is announcing some changes to our facilities and services at this extraordinary time.   As has been seen with other UK performance venues, the decision has been taken to close Bedford Corn Exchange for the time being, from today. Where performances are rescheduled for a later date, tickets already purchased will be valid for the new date, or refunds will be issued for customers unable to attend the rescheduled date. For any cancelled performances, customers will be issued with a refund.   To ensure the ongoing safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff, sports sessions run by Sports Development have been suspended, and litter picks including RiverCare and the Great British Spring Clean organised by Keep Britain Tidy have been postponed.

Taking Extra Care to Stay Safe

The Government is advising people who have a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus to be particularly careful. You can find the full advice on their webpage on social distancing for older people and vulnerable adults

This group includes:

- people aged 70 or older

- adults under 70 with an underlying health condition which means they are instructed to get a flu jab on medical grounds

- People who are pregnant

Everyone should be trying to follow 'social distancing' measures as much as is pragmatic. If you fall into one of the above groups, the Government are strongly advising you to follow these measures as much as you can, and to significantly limit face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible.

If you are self-isolating because someone in the household has a confirmed or possible case of coronavirus, we are also asking that you take extra care with any personal waste such as tissues. Please double bag all waste that contains tissues, and do not put it out for collection for at least 72 hours. Other household waste can be disposed of as normal. This advice is based on guidance from central government, designed to prevent transmission of the virus and keep our crews and the public safe.

‘Social Distancing’

Social distancing measures are:

1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus. This includes a high temperature and/or a new and continuous cough
2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
3. Work from home, where possible
4. Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces like pubs, clubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres and bars
5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch via phone, internet and social media
6. Use telephone or online services where you can to contact your GP or other essential services

How You Can Get Involved and Get Assistance

If you fall into one of the at-risk groups and are staying at home, you may need help to get food or medicine. Where possible, ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services.

If this isn’t possible, please get in touch with us. We are establishing a community hub that will pull together volunteers, assist individuals self-isolating and seek to match both groups. 

If you think you will need assistance please email us at covid19help@bedford.gov.uk and if you can provide help please email us at covid19@bedford.gov.uk.

Keeping You Updated

Please encourage any friends and colleagues to sign up to receive regular bulletins from the Council at www.bedford.gov.uk/stayconnected and follow us on twitter and facebook.

For updates on what's happening locally, visit our dedicated coronavirus webpage: www.bedford.gov.uk/covid19

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Borough Hall

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Bedford

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