COVID-19 case numbers down but still above pre-Omicron levels
Over the last week (week ending 19 January), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone down by 1,371 to 2,781, a rate of 945.6 cases per 100,000. Infections are now highest among 5-10-year-olds but remain high across all age groups. The number of people in hospital locally has once again increased and sadly there were 5 deaths in the last reporting week.
Case numbers among our neighbours also down but remain high:
- Bedford – 2,178 new cases, down 641 (1,246.8 per 100,000) with 2 deaths reported
- Luton – 2,615 new cases, down 913 (1,224.7 per 100,000) with 5 deaths reported
- Milton Keynes – 3,262 new cases, down 1,388 (1,207.2 per 100,000) and 3 deaths reported
Return to Plan A
The government has announced that the measures put in place under plan B in England will be lifted and they will return to Plan A. However, the pandemic is not over and we will need to remain cautious to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
Everyone should get all the doses of the vaccine as soon as they can and continue testing regularly with rapid tests (LFTs) - particularly before periods of high risk and before seeing anyone who is vulnerable - and to take a PCR test if they have symptoms.
Testing and vaccinations are our best weapons against the virus – keep testing and get your vaccination as soon as possible.
Get vaccinated
The NHS is making vaccination as easy as possible. While you can still get vaccinated by booking an appointment through the National Booking System and calling 119 or by going to a walk-in site, this week the NHS has opened two extra pop-up walk-in centres in Leighton Buzzard and Houghton Regis.
- Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, LU7 1RX, walk-in from 10.30 – 17.00 every day to Sunday 23rd January.
- Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, LU5 5ES,10.30 – 17.30 every day to Sunday 23rd January.
Anyone over 12 can walk-in and get vaccinated at these two sites.
Details of all local vaccination sites can be found here.
Stay safe
We all need to continue to follow safer behaviours to protect ourselves and others.
- Get vaccinated and get your booster dose
- Wear a face covering in most indoor public places and on public transport
- Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
- Get tested and self-isolate if required
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
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