Weekly figures
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Central Bedfordshire (in the week ending 28 April) was 52, down 3 from the previous week (55). The number of weekly positive cases per 100,000 population has gone down to 18 from 19.1 last week.
Vaccination continues - 145,424 adults have been vaccinated with at least one dose, with 3,079 receiving one in the last 7 days. There was one death in our area in the last reporting week, the same as the previous week.
The latest data from our neighbouring areas are as follows:
Milton Keynes – 59 new cases (21.9 cases per 100,000). 3,563 vaccinated (last 7 days) and 1 death reported.
Luton – 120 cases (56.3 cases per 100,000). 1,289 vaccinated, with 2 deaths recorded.
Bedford – 44 new cases (25.4 cases per 100,000). 1,709 vaccinated and 3 deaths reported.
The trend in infections continues to decline and vaccination numbers are going up here and across England which is all encouraging.
There has also been welcome news this week that the vaccine is reducing the spread of the virus with infected people who have had one dose far less likely to pass on the infection. This is on top of the reduced risk of a vaccinated person developing symptomatic infection in the first place, which is around 60 to 65% – 4 weeks after one dose of either vaccine.
Vaccines are vital in helping us return to a normal way of life. Not only do vaccines reduce the severity of illness and prevent hundreds of deaths every day, we now see they also have an additional impact on reducing the chance of passing COVID-19 on to others.
When you are offered a vaccine, take it as soon as possible.
But even if you have been vaccinated, it is really important that you continue to act like you have the virus, practise good hand hygiene and follow social distancing guidance.
Remember – Hands. Face. Space. Fresh Air.
Get tested!
Everyone in Central Bedfordshire can now access free, regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. It’s free, easy and quick.
With around one in three people who have coronavirus showing no symptoms, testing is vital for those individuals who have regular contact with people who are not part of their household or bubble.
Regular testing will help identify more people who have COVID-19 and help to reduce the spread of the virus as they will know they need to self-isolate.
We recommend getting tested twice a week, 3 to 4 days apart.
Free testing kits delivered to your home
You can also use the Government’s new home ordering service, which allows you to order lateral flow tests online to be delivered to your home or collect tests through participating local pharmacies. Find out more on the GOV.UK website.
COVID-19 useful information
Full information is available on our website.
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