The COVID-19 variant first identified in India is “being watched really carefully” in the UK says Professor Adam Finn, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. 

A small number of cases of the variant have been identified in Milton Keynes, and these cases are not related to travel.   

While overall cases in MK remain relatively low, the emergence of this new strain locally and the speed with which it has spread in nearby Bedford is a reminder that we must all continue to do what we can to control the spread of the virus.  

The CCG has announced that anyone aged over the age of 40 can walk into a number of vaccination centres across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes this week without the need for an appointment. 

Please follow this link for information on the site accessible and the times that people can drop in: https://www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/drop-in-covid-19-vaccination-sessions-available-for-people-aged-40-and-over/   

More than two-thirds of UK adults - 35.7 million people - have had a first dose of a Covid vaccine, while a third of adults are now fully vaccinated with two doses. 

You can book appointments 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 appointments.

More COVID-19 restrictions are set to be lifted on Monday 17 May. From then: 

• People can meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 people
• Indoors, groups of six or a larger group of two households can meet
• Hospitality can open indoors - but diners and drinkers must remain seated
• Indoor entertainment can open, including cinemas, museums, and children's play areas 
• Theatres, concert halls, conference centres and sports stadia can reopen and sports/performance events can be held - with capacity limits, and with testing used 
• Organised adult sport and exercise classes can resume indoors 
• Saunas and steam rooms can open 

The Mobile Test Unit that visits Newport Pagnell on Wednesday and Friday has moved location from Station Road Car Park to the Willen Road Recreation Ground Car Park (Newport Pagnell Town FC.)   

Only part of the car park is in use – access continues to the football club side of the car park. This is to free up car parking for the town centre as the shops and pubs reopen. Thanks to Newport Pagnell Town Council for finding a new site and to local regular users for putting up with the disruption caused by the use of the Station Road car Park. 

During the past year access to green space has been more important than ever. Being able to enjoy the great outdoors has been beneficial for our mental and physical health. Going out for a walk has helped us to stay active and connected. 

This May is National Walking month and to celebrate, The Parks Trust is hosting a variety of walking events as well as introducing new self-led walking routes.  The entire network of MK parks looked after by The Parks Trust has received a Green Flag Award for the fourth year in a row. 

Find out more at https://www.theparkstrust.com/