Surge testing in Bedford is expected to begin tomorrow, May 20, as the number of Covid-19 cases rises in the borough.
From Thursday May 20 to Friday May 28, mobile test units will be operating in Bedford as the first phase of surge testing begins.
And everyone – adults and children – who live in the Kingsbrook, Cauldwell and Queens Park areas of the Borough of Bedford and the Village of Wixams are strongly encouraged to get tested – even if they don’t have symptoms. .
This will help identify cases and ensure people self-isolate with the right support.
These areas of the Borough of Bedford were chosen based on a thorough analysis of the spread of Covid-19 in recent days.
Government figures show the borough of Bedford currently has the third highest Covid-19 rate in the country, with 128 cases per 100,000 population, surge tests are being rolled out in parts of the borough from Bedford.
Testing and self-isolation if necessary, along with measures such as hands-face-space-fresh air and adherence to national guidelines, will help control the spread of the virus, while allowing for a better understanding of the new. variant.
Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson said: ‘The numbers we are seeing locally are really concerning, with cases expected to double about every five days in the Borough of Bedford.
“I am happy that the government has agreed to deploy this surge test.
“These tests in these four areas will help us identify cases, track how the virus is spreading in our communities and slow the spread.
“We hope as many people as possible will be tested in this first week of surge testing, so please, if you live in Kingsbrook, Cauldwell, Queens Park or the Wixams come and take a PCR test and help.” to keep your community. sure.”
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for NHS Test and Trace, said: ‘As part of our proactive sequencing work, we have identified cases of Covid-19 variants in a number of regions across the world. England. A small proportion of these cases are unrelated to international travel, suggesting that there are cases in the community.
“PHE and NHS Test and Trace are closely monitoring the situation and appropriate public health measures, such as increased testing and contact tracing, are being put in place as necessary.”
Aliko Ahmed, Regional Director of Public Health England East of England, added: “The UK has one of the best genomic systems in the world, which has enabled us to detect the variant here in Bedford. I urge everyone to come up with a test to do this to help us monitor the virus in our communities and help suppress and control the spread of this variant.
“Most importantly, people continue to follow the advice that is in place – limit your number of contacts, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your distance, and cover your face. If your test is positive by any method, you must self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus. “
Where will the tests take place?
During this first phase of surge testing in the Borough of Bedford, the mobile test units will operate from Thursday May 20 to Friday May 28 daily at the following sites and times:
> Oasis Beach Pool, Cardington Road, Kingsbrook, Bedford, MK42 0BZ (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
> John Bunyan Sports and Fitness, Mile Road, Cauldwell, Bedford, MK42 9TS (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
> Enterprise House, Old Ford End Road, Queens Park, Bedford, MK40 4PF (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
> Seasons Garden Center, Bedford Road, Wixams, MK45 3HU (8:30 am to 6 pm)
Mobile test units accept people by car and on foot, and no appointment is necessary.
Everyone who lives in the Kingsbrook, Cauldwell and Queens Park areas of the Borough of Bedford and the Village of Wixams are encouraged to take a Covid-19 PCR test during this week.
Further collection and drop-off points for testing will be available in each of the areas from Friday at London Road Surgery, Cauldwell Community Center on Althorpe Street, Queens Park Community Center and Lakeview Village Hall at Wixams and those- these will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. .
Mobile test units and collection / depot sites will operate throughout the weekend.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test online or by calling 119.
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-19 22:40:07
