Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Government has announced new measures to protect against the new variant of COVID-19, including the re-introduction of compulsory face coverings in some settings. You can read about the new measures here.

With COVID-19 cases in Bedford Borough still high, we are asking residents to exercise caution and common sense to help stop the spread of the virus and protect our community, family and friends.

We ask you to:

take a free COVID-19 test if you have symptoms
get the vaccine
self-isolate if told to do so by NHS Test and Trace
wear a face mask - face coverings are now compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport (unless individuals are exempt).
try and meet outdoors rather than indoors
test twice a week with a rapid lateral flow test to keep your friends and family safe

It is really important that everyone who is eligible gets vaccinated as soon as possible. Anyone aged 12 or over can book their vaccine appointments online through the national booking system or by phoning 119. Various walk in sites are also available.

You can find out more about booking a COVID-19 booster vaccine here.

Vaccination information in Punjabi, Urdu, Romanian, Italian, Bengali and Polish is available here.

Bedford Borough Council is offering grants to local groups to increase vaccine take up.

See the latest weekly COVID-19 statistics for Bedford Borough (PDF)

Remember Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air

Hands: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and use hand sanitiser to keep them clean on the go.

Face: Face coverings are now compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport (unless individuals are exempt).

Space: Meet outside rather than inside where possible and try to keep 2 metres apart from people that you don’t live with.

If you have any of the following symptoms: a new persistent cough, high temperature or a change or loss of taste or smell you should immediately self-isolate and arrange a test online or by calling 119.

Get tested

Everyone living or working in the Borough can get free twice weekly rapid testing. People without symptoms can drop in to the rapid test centre at the Faraday Community Centre, off Elstow Road, Bedford. Home tests kits are also available from many pharmacies or you can order them online.

Self-isolating

If you have been told to self-isolate it important that you do so to protect yourself and others and support is available.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms you must stay at home and only leave to get tested.

Test and Trace

You can find out about Test and Trace Support Payments here.

The Government's COVID-19 app is a vital part of the NHS Test and Trace service. Find out more and download it here.

Your wellbeing

Our wellbeing pages have lots of guidance and tips on keeping active, eating well and looking after our mental health.

Report concerns about a business

You can report concerns about a business not following COVID-19 regulations here.

Keep up to date

COVID-19 Health Champions are working together with the Council to continue to keep Bedford Borough safe during the pandemic. Sign up to be a COVID-19 Health Champion here.

You can also view key reports: