Cases down but number of deaths increase
Over the last week (week ending 6 October), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone down by 150 to 845 (287.3 cases per 100,000). Sadly, there were 5 deaths registered in our area in the last reporting week.
The reports from our neighbours show that case numbers remain high across the area:
- Bedford - 684 new cases, up 33 (391.6 cases per 100,000) with 2 deaths reported
- Luton - 609 new cases, down 53 (285.2 cases per 100,000) with 5 deaths reported
- Milton Keynes – 905 new cases, up 124 (334.9 cases per 100,000) and 2 deaths reported
Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. You should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others.
- let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
- wear a face-covering in crowded and enclosed spaces
-
get tested and self-isolate if required
- keep washing your hands regularly
- if you haven’t already, get vaccinated
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Vaccinations
80% of our adult population (16+) have now received two vaccinations, with 86% having received at least one dose. Booster vaccinations are starting to get rolled out too.
COVID-19 vaccines are now available for everyone over 12
Young people aged 16 and 17
The NHS is offering the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to people aged 16 and 17. If you will turn 18 within 3 months, you can also get a second dose.
You can book your appointment at a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy now or wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service.
Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointment
Children aged 12 to 15
All children aged 12 to 15 will be offered the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents and guardians will get a letter with information about when the vaccine will be offered. Most children will be given their vaccine at school.
Some children are being offered two doses of the vaccine if either:
- they live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- they have a condition that means they're at high risk from COVID-19
If your child is eligible for two doses of the vaccine, you'll be contacted by a local NHS service such as their GP surgery to arrange their appointments.
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccination for children and young people on GOV.UK
Walk-in centres for first and second doses, anyone over 16 can go to any of these sites for their first or second dose.
COVID-19 booster vaccine
Booster vaccine doses will be available on the NHS for people most at risk from COVID-19 who have already had two doses of a vaccine. The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have one.
Find out more about the COVID-19 booster vaccine
Free COVID-19 rapid tests
About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. You should do a rapid test twice a week (every 3 to 4 days) to check if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.
Even if you’re vaccinated, there’s still a chance you can catch or pass COVID-19 on, so you should keep getting tested regularly.
You can get rapid tests to do at home
You can collect up to 2 packs of 7 tests from a local library, pharmacy, our testing centres or order a pack of 7 tests for home delivery.
From 4 October 2021, you'll need a collect code when you pick up your tests from pharmacies. Find out more
However, you can still collect tests from our libraries and community collect buses without a code.
Find out when the bus is in your area
Find a library
Order tests for home delivery
You can help us by sharing this information as widely as possible, through your social media and WhatsApp groups.
You can share quickly and easily via the share now button below.
|
