Government slammed after changing website to warn people not to travel to or from Bedford as cases of Indian variants increase – without telling anyone Bedford News

The government has come under fire for changing its website, urging people not to enter and leave Bedford unless absolutely necessary – without making a widespread announcement.

The guidelines which relate to the areas most affected by the Indian variant – Bedford, Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Kirklees, Leicester, North Tyneside and Hounslow – were published on Friday evening but Bedford Borough Council was not even informed,

In addition to telling residents to stand two meters apart, work from home, and meet outdoors – the government advises residents to avoid traveling indoors and outside of Bedford unless essential. from home – is considered essential.

And a Downing Street source denied it was a local stealth lockdown and added that it was advice, not law.

In a statement on the borough council’s website, he said: “We were not made aware of the introduction of this notice and are urgently examining the implications of this on the services we offer. .

“With the increase in cases in the Borough of Bedford, we ask everyone to be extra careful and to continue to follow the advice on hands, face, space and fresh air. If you are meeting friends or family, go outside whenever possible, where the virus particles can be found. breath.

“We are asking everyone in Kingsbrook, Cauldwell, Queens Park and Wixams to perform PCR testing to identify cases so they can self-isolate.”