Bedford residents urged to get Covid shots as nearly 160 people are admitted to hospital Bedford News

Health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated after 157 people were admitted to the two hospitals with Covid in just 24 hours.

Nationwide, Covid cases began to rise, leading to a 12% increase in the number of people admitted to hospital.

Dr Sarah Whiteman, Clinical Chair of the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The rise in infections in people over 60 and the sharp rise in hospital admissions in just 24 hours is worrying because of the impact it will have on our local people, their lives and their jobs.

“Rising infections could also impact health services as people cannot access the treatment they need.

“The number of Covid infections is on the rise in our region and public health has noted an increasing number of people over the age of 60 infected.

“Previously, the Omicron variant was more prevalent in young people and school-aged children, which drove the number of hospital admissions starting in the fall in recent weeks.”

Anne Murray, head nurse of the clinical commissioning group, added: “With the lifting of restrictions, it is easy to think that the virus is gone, but unfortunately it is not.

“Vaccination has helped reduce hospital admissions over the past year, but we are now seeing fewer people coming in for vaccinations and Covid cases are increasing locally.

“This has the potential to put pressure on the NHS, just as we are starting to recover services once again and seeing people for more routine appointments.

“We urge everyone to protect themselves by getting vaccinated against Covid, which will prevent them from developing serious illness from the infection.

“We are also encouraging people to follow public health advice and stay home if they feel unwell or get tested for COVID-19.”