Massive increase in number of COVID-19 cases
Over the last week (week ending 5 January) new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 1,192 to 5,116, a rate of 1,739.6 cases per 100,000. Infections are again highest among 30-39- and 40–49-year-olds but rising across most adult age groups. Sadly, the number of people in hospital has increased again and there were 3 deaths in the last reporting week.
Case numbers among our neighbours are also very high:
- Bedford – 3,017 new cases, up 774 (1,727.1 per 100,000) with 3 deaths reported
- Luton – 3,590 new cases, up 1,190 (1,681.3 per 100,000) with 2 deaths reported
- Milton Keynes – 5,199 new cases, up 1,366 (1,924.1 per 100,000) and 2 deaths reported
The NHS has delivered 153,565 boosters in Central Bedfordshire, that means more than three-quarters of eligible people in our area have had their booster.
Getting vaccinated, including the booster, is the very best way to save lives, reduce the pressure on our NHS and avoid further restrictions.
Although Omicron causes less severe disease than previous variants, as many as 90 per cent of those in intensive care with COVID have not had their booster and over 60 per cent have not had any vaccination at all.
Hospital admissions are rising, and our local hospitals are under increasing strain.
We are experiencing the fastest growth in COVID cases that we have ever known, and case rates are now rising among the older and more vulnerable, with the obvious risk that this will continue to increase the pressures on our NHS.
The Government has decided to continue with Plan B for another three weeks, with a further review before the regulations expire on 26 January.
This means
- Carry on working from home whenever you can
- Wear face coverings on public transport and in most indoor public places
- Take a test before going to high-risk venues or meeting the elderly or vulnerable.
And above all get vaccinated.
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