Statement on COVID-19 Restrictions
Following the national coverage of recently revised guidance we have met with national officials and confirmed there are no restrictions on travel in or out of Bedford Borough: There are no local lockdowns.
In areas where the new COVID variant is spreading we are all working together to boost testing and vaccination and to support self-isolation. There are sensible public health precautions people can take as individuals in line with the sorts of advice we have all been following throughout the pandemic. We will keep sharing that and working with national officials to make sure people understand what they need to think about as they go about their daily lives.
Surge Testing Continues This Week- Get Tested
People who live, work or study in the areas of Cauldwell, Kingsbrook, Queens Park and the Wixams are being strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR test this week.
1,500 people have already taken a PCR test as part of surge testing which began in Bedford Borough last week to tackle rising cases related to a variant of concern first identified in India.
With cases in Bedford Borough still rising and with the third highest COVID-19 rate in the country, it’s really important that everyone- adults and children- who lives, works or studies in these areas takes a PCR test.
Surge testing of people without symptoms in these areas will help to identify more cases and break chains of transmission. The PCR tests provide a result within 2 days and will allow public health experts to track the local spread of the variant of concern. People without symptoms who take a test as part of surge testing do not need to isolate while they wait for the result, unless they’ve been asked to isolate for another reason.
Until Friday 28 May, Mobile Testing Units are available at:
Oasis Beach Pool, Cardington Road, MK42 0BZ (8am to 6pm)
John Bunyan Sports and Fitness, Mile Road, MK42 9TS (8am to 6pm)
Enterprise House, Old Ford End Road, MK40 4PF (8am to 5pm)
Seasons Garden Centre, Bedford Road, Wixams, MK45 3HU (8.30am to 6pm)
These units accept people in cars and on foot, and no appointment is necessary.
Collect and drop off points are available for those who prefer to test at home:
London Road Surgery
Morrisons car park on Ampthill Road (please note this is replacing Cauldwell Community Centre)
Queens Park Community Centre
Lakeview Village Hall at the Wixams
Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Public Health said “It’s vital that everyone who lives, works or studies in Cauldwell, Kingsbrook, Queens Park and the Wixams take a COVID-19 PCR test. We have already found 14 additional COVID-19 cases as a result of this surge testing, and those people are self-isolating – protecting others. Support to isolate is available, including a £700 payment for people on low incomes.
“Please get tested, help us slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities.”