Living With COVID- Next Steps

The Government has set out its next steps for ‘Living with COVID’ in updated guidance published today.

COVID-19 infections are still very high, and there are simple things you can do that will help reduce the spread and protect those at highest risk. Things you can choose to do are:

1. Get vaccinated.
2. Let fresh air in if meeting others indoors.
3. Practice good hygiene:
   • wash your hands
   • cover your coughs and sneezes
   • clean your surroundings frequently
4. Wear a face covering or a face mask in crowded or enclosed spaces and when meeting vulnerable people.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, until you no longer have a high temperature (if you had one) or until you no longer feel unwell.

It’s not too late to get your COVID-19 vaccination, even if you haven’t had your first jab yet and there are walk in appointments available this weekend. Find out where on the BLMK CCG website. 

People aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed are also eligible for a Spring booster and the NHS will invite people to arrange a jab through the national booking service when it is their turn.

Whilst testing is no longer available for most people, the pandemic is not over. COVID-19 rates are very high as the Easter holidays start locally- over 1,000 reported cases per 100,000 people in the population. You can see the latest local snapshot on our website. 

We are reminding everyone to continue to follow the updated public health guidance to protect themselves and others, particularly those who may become seriously ill if infected with COVID-19

Bedford Borough Students Say “Idling Gets You Nowhere”

We have been working alongside communities to raise awareness about the dangers of idling vehicles.

Idling is when an engine is left running while the vehicle it belongs to remains stationary. It reduces air quality by releasing a variety of harmful gasses into the environment and is particularly prevalent during the colder seasons, especially around school pick up and drop off times.

As part of the campaign, students from primary schools in the Borough were invited to design their own anti-idling posters. The winning posters, which came from Castle Newnham Primary School, Livingstone Primary School and Ravensden Primary School, have all been printed out and are being displayed in idling hotspots to encourage people to think twice about leaving their engines running.

Bedford Borough Council Provides School Holiday Food Vouchers This Easter

Thousands of families across Bedford Borough, who are entitled to income related free school meals, are being given vouchers for the Easter holidays.

Funded through the Household Support Fund, the Council will provide households £25 per eligible child or young person in Bedford Borough. The £25 is made up from £15 to support a daily meal and a supplementary £10 allocation, which is being provided to help off-set any extra spend on utility bills and other household expenses.

Families with eligible children will receive their vouchers as they have previously, via an email or through their school or setting distribution process.

The Council and Bedford Borough schools are encouraging more families to register and apply for free school meals, so that they begin to receive the support they need.

To find out if you are eligible and to register for free school meals visit our website.