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This week’s snapshot shows that 609 cases were found locally in the 7 days up to 22 August. This is an increase of over 100 compared to the week before. You can see more detail on our website.
Over 4,000 people had their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in this week.
If you had your first COVID vaccination on or before 30 June, you’re now due for your second dose.
So far nearly 2,000 under 18s have had the jab and we are encouraging as many 16 and 17 year olds as possible to get vaccinated before they return to school and college.
Vaccine drop ins are available in Bedford Borough for both first and second doses, with no appointment necessary. For more information and for opening times visit the BLMK website.
Rogers Court, a landmark facility with 20 units of self-contained accommodation for those rough sleeping, or at risk of doing so, has opened.
The facility has been remodelled and refurbished by Kier Construction working with their local supply chain in less than 6 months, following a successful funding bid by the Council to the Government.
The building has been handed over to the Council and SMART Bedford, who provide services for those rough sleeping locally, and in this case, they will be providing support services to the residents of Rogers Court 24/7.
Anita McCallum, CEO, SMART CJS, said “We are so delighted that rough sleepers are getting this much-needed investment in the form of excellent, independent units. These will be invaluable in getting people back on their feet, often after experiencing trauma and other difficulties in their lives. We have seen that when more comprehensive support is given to those vulnerably housed or sleeping rough, they recover more quickly and can then get back into education, training and employment opportunities.”
Bedford Borough Council is providing primary and secondary schools in the Borough carbon dioxide monitors before the start of the new term.
The portable monitors will allow schools to assess where ventilation needs improvement and take steps to improve air flow, such as opening a window or door, so that any potential virus particles from indoors spaces are blown away.
Teachers will be welcoming students back to classrooms in September, this is just one measure that will be in place in Bedford Borough schools to help reduce transmission and help keep students and staff safe.
When schools return, staff and students (aged 11 years and above) will also be asked to continue twice-weekly COVID-19 lateral flow testing, with two on-site tests provided for secondary and college students.
Following the success of previous programmes, Bedford Borough Council was invited by the Government to bid for further funding to deliver English language support.
The Council has been awarded £280,299 from the ‘ESOL for Integration Fund (EFIF)’ to deliver a further year of English language classes and outreach to help address the barriers which prevent people learning English.
Language can be a huge barrier for people to access vital services. Anyone wanting to learn or improve their English can get help to do so via the Bedford ESOL Advice Service website.
Our thanks go to our partners in this project: ACCM UK, Kings Arms Project, Noah Academy, PBIC and 1mpact.
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