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Bedford restaurant spending revealed – with customer spending £ 255.40 Bedford News

Bedford patrons were happy to foot the bill, the numbers show, as restaurant spending spiked when diners were allowed in again.

But the UKHospitality trade body has said ending all social restrictions this summer is key to getting the restaurant industry off its feet, as incomes are still well below pre-pandemic levels.

Banking firm Revolut analyzed data from its 16,000 customers in Bedford in the seven days leading up to May 23, as they sat in restaurants and cafes for the first time this year.

Bedford guests spent 25% more than the week before, when only al fresco dining was allowed

Customers spent 25% more in this period than the week before when only alfresco dining was allowed, with a bill totaling £ 255.40.

However, spending was still 35% lower than a normal week in February of last year before the start of the pandemic.

Despite the reopening, many establishments will not be able to have a full house before June 21, when all legal limits on social contacts must be lifted in England.

However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was too early to say whether the easing of all restrictions would continue as planned.

Kate Nicholls, Managing Director of UKHospitality, said: “Current restrictions drastically reduce room capacity, so restaurants’ ability to make money is well below pre-Covid levels.

“Many restaurants have been permanently lost due to the pandemic and there are others that, after months of closure and trade restrictions, have yet to reopen.

“A return to unrestricted commerce on June 21 is essential and means hospitality businesses will go out of business and become viable for the first time in almost 16 months, and allow businesses to bring in more staff.”

Last week, many venues for indoor entertainment and culture, including museums, theaters and cinemas, reopened – although they are also operating at reduced capacity.

The UK Cinema Association said the opening weekend was the first time there had been more than a million admissions since March 2020.

Phil Clapp, Managing Director, said: ‘Only around three-quarters of UK cinema venues are now open with many smaller venues not being able to do so in a sustainable manner given the limitations as distancing requirements social impose on the available capacity.

“The extraordinary number of sold-out screenings reported over the past weekend make it clear that the sooner these restrictions can be safely relaxed, the sooner a full recovery of the industry can occur.”

Revolut data shows spending on cultural activities such as trips to the movies between May 17 and 23 was 68% lower than a normal week before the pandemic in Britain.

In Bedford, spending fell 55%, with men aged 35 to 44 being the region’s biggest spenders.

Overall, Bedford residents spent 3% more on all activities during this period than the week before, including a 13% increase in transportation spending.

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-01 16:24:15

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Bedford

This is why people say ‘white rabbit’ on the 1st of a new month Bedford News

Do you have any traditions to mark the start of a new month? (Photo: Shutterstock)

On the first of a new month, you might have heard people say “white rabbit” or “bunny, bunny, bunny” – but why do people say it and where does this tradition come from?

Here’s what you need to know.

Why do people say “white rabbit”?

On the first day of every month, it’s common for people to say “white rabbit” in the morning, before saying anything else.

The phrase is meant to bring good luck for the rest of the month. Alternatively, you can say the phrase “bunny rabbit bunny”.

Both phrases are believed to bring good luck, as rabbits are considered lucky creatures.

For example, in Europe, China, Africa, and North and South America, rabbit’s foot is considered to be luck.

There are several reasons why rabbits are considered lucky, including the pet’s fertility, which is often associated with renewal and new beginnings.

Rabbit’s feet were also marketed as lucky by American companies to sell them to consumers at the turn of the 20th century.

Where does the phrase come from?

In an episode of NPR, Martha Barnette, an author who has written books on etymology, explains that the phrase dates back to at least the early 1900s.

She explains that Franklin Delano Roosevelt participated in the “bunny, bunny, bunny” superstition and that he was also known to wear a bunny’s foot.

In a 1909 issue of the British journal Notes and Queries, a parent observed that some children said “bunnies” on the first of each month for luck, according to the History Channel.

After this point, references to this superstitious act occasionally occurred.

In 1935, the Nottingham Evening Post reported: “Mr. Roosevelt, the President of the United States, confessed to a friend that he said “Rabbits” on the first of every month – and, besides, he wouldn’t think of leaving anything out.

There doesn’t seem to be a clear answer as to where the tradition of saying bunny bunny comes from – but if you forget to say it at the start of the first of the month, don’t worry.

Barnette explains that if you forget to say bunny bunny at the start of the day on the first day of a new month, there are ways to reverse the effects of bad luck you might be feeling.

Right before you go to bed, you can either say black bunny or “tibbar, tibbar,” which means “bunny, bunny” backwards.

What are some other ways to mark the start of a new month?

There are many other traditions that people from all over the UK take part in when the date falls in a new month.

A popular one called “pinch, punch” sees people give their friends and family a pinch and punch while saying the phrase, “Pinch and punch, on the first of the month.”

There are a variety of theories that attempt to explain this tradition, the most popular believing that it began with President George Washington.

Supposedly, on the first day of each new month, Washington would meet with native tribal leaders and offer them a fruit punch with an extra pinch of salt, which was then known as the “first of the month pinch.” The tradition simply evolved from there.

Others believe that this tradition began much longer ago, in medieval times. One theory claims that in medieval Britain, when people still believed in witches and other witchcraft, salt was believed to weaken witches and the saying was believed to weaken evil beings.

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-01 07:44:55

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Bedford

Warning: June lockdown ‘should be delayed for a few weeks’ due to signs of new Covid wave in UK Bedford News

Scientists have warned more data is needed before restrictions can be lifted (Photo: Getty Images)

The lifting of lockdown measures on June 21 in England is expected to be delayed “by a few weeks” due to signs of a new wave of Covid-19 infections in the UK.

Concerns have been expressed that it is too early to lift all legal social restrictions amid increasing cases of the Indian variant Covid-19, which is spreading rapidly in parts of the country.

The end date must be delayed

Government adviser and microbiologist Prof Ravi Gupta said the lifting of all lockdowns at the end of June must be delayed to allow more data to be collected on the Indian variant.

The Cambridge University scholar said there had been an ‘exponential growth’ in the number of cases, fueled by the highly transmissible Indian variant, but the ‘explosive’ impact it could have was currently being masked. by the high vaccination rate.

Currently, more than 39 million people in England have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while an additional 2.3 million have received both doses.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, he said: “It will probably take longer than previous waves to emerge due to the fact that we have fairly high levels of vaccination in the population, so it may take longer than previous waves to emerge. there may be a false sense of security for some. time, and that’s our concern.

“I think the problem is we’re not too far off reaching the kind of vaccination levels that would help us contain the virus and I think people aren’t saying we should drop the June 21 date altogether,” but simply delay it for a few minutes. weeks as we gather more intelligence and can look at the trajectory in a clearer way.

“If you look at the costs and benefits of being wrong, I think it’s strongly in favor of the delay, so I think that’s the key point.

“Yes, we will learn to live with it but this date which has been fixed did not take into account the fact that we would have a new variant on the horizon, with properties that allow it to escape to some extent the antibody and a virus that is more transmissible. “

The UK government is now aiming to offer everyone over 50 the second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine before the restrictions are scheduled to end on June 21.

More data is needed

Professor Adam Finn, of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), said that while the UK vaccination program “will ultimately give us … protection” against the Indian variant, caution is needed. bet before the next reopening phase.

Professor Finn warned that a clearer picture of the pandemic was needed before action was taken to ease restrictions further.

He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘I think it’s unfortunate that everyone has that date in mind because what we really need to do is figure out how things are going and adapt to it. result.

“What we’ve done wrong in the past is to leave it too late and delay making decisions, ultimately postpone them and end up with big waves of infection.

“This time around we should be careful, wait and see what happens, then let everyone free, if you like, once we know for sure it’s safe and we can do it without. have another set of locks, etc. “

While encouraging data has emerged in recent weeks on Covid hospital admissions in Britain, Professor Finn said any impact on admissions resulting from the relaxation of restrictions in May would not be known until after many days, until “around June 21 or just before that”. .

Some measures could remain

While the June 21 date still seems uncertain for the next step in easing the lockout, it is expected that even if it goes as planned, some measures may remain in place.

This will likely mean that face masks will continue to be needed, while those who can will still be asked to work from home.

The government will wait for the latest data on June 14 before deciding whether or not to lift the restrictions the following week.

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-31 12:43:50

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Bedford

Here are the 5 best methods to treat, soothe, and heal sunburned skin Bedford News

Do you know how to protect your skin from the sun (Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)

As the weather across the UK starts to get sunny and dry after an unusually rainy May, some of us can get sunburned.

Staying safe when in the sun is important because sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer – but if it’s already too late and the damage has been done, there are ways to treat. your sunburn at home.

Refresh your skin

You need to act quickly to calm the sunburn from the first step. Cool your skin with a cold compress – you can use ice to make ice water for a cold compress, but do not apply ice directly to the burnt skin.

Alternatively, you can take a cool shower or bath, but not too long as it can be quite drying. You should also avoid harsh soaps, which could irritate your skin even more.

Hydrate

While your skin is moist, moisturize it with a mild moisturizing lotion – but make sure it’s not petroleum or oil based, as this can trap heat and make your skin worse. burn.

Keep hydrating to keep the burnt or peel skin hydrated over the next few days.

Reduce inflammation

To fight pain or inflammation, you need to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen.

You can also use an over-the-counter one percent cortisone cream for a few days to relieve redness and swelling. Aloe vera can also help soothe mild burns.

Stay hydrated

Burns draw fluids to the surface of the skin and away from the rest of the body, which means you can become dehydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated while your skin heals by drinking extra fluids, such as water and sports drinks, which help replenish electrolytes.

Keep away from the sun

You must be very careful not to expose the sunburnt skin to the sun until the skin is completely healed.

Avoid all sunlight, including through windows, and cover the affected area until the skin is healed.

What should I avoid doing?

  • Do not use petroleum jelly on sunburned skin
  • Do not put ice or ice packs on sunburned skin
  • Do not burst blisters
  • Do not scratch or try to remove the peeling skin
  • Do not wear tight clothing on sunburned skin

How can I avoid sunburn?

To help protect your skin from burns, you should use sunscreen. When buying sunscreen, make sure the label has a sun protection factor (SPF) or at least 30 to protect against UVB, and at least four star UVA protection.

If you already have sunscreen at home, make sure it hasn’t expired – most sunscreens have a two to three year shelf life.

Most people don’t use enough sunscreen – as a guideline, adults should aim to use around two teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re just covering your head, arms, and neck, and around two. tablespoons of sunscreen if you cover your whole body.

If the sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it offers is reduced.

You shouldn’t rely solely on sunscreen to protect yourself – the NHS also recommends spending time in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and covering yourself with appropriate clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sleeved top long.

How long does it take for sunburns to heal?

According to the NHS, the skin will usually start to flake and peel after a few days, and will usually be completely healed within seven days.

You should see your GP or call NHS 111 if any of the following occurs:

  • Your skin is blistering or has become swollen
  • You have a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivering
  • You feel tired, dizzy and sick
  • You have a headache and muscle cramps
  • Your baby or toddler is sunburned

A version of this article originally appeared on our sister site NationalWorld

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-31 13:16:53

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Bedford

Businesses in central Bedfordshire to receive top-up payments as they recover from pandemic Bedford News

Businesses that have already received Supplemental Restriction Grant (ARG) 1, 2 and 3 to help them get through the pandemic will receive a top-up payment from Central Bedfordshire Council.

Since the launch of the first Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) in December, the board has said it continues to expand the scope of the program to provide as much support as possible for businesses.

Now, with more certainty as to the number of eligible businesses, he says he is able to free up additional funds to help local businesses when they reopen.

Businesses have nothing to do. If you have already applied for an ARG grant, you do not need to reapply.

Executive Member of Corporate Resources, Adviser David Shelvey said: “So far we have succeeded in providing almost £ 4million in financial support to local businesses. By supplementing businesses that have received an additional restriction grant, we are able to further support some of these areas that are starting to reopen with an additional cash flow increase. “

The council expects to receive additional government funding in July and will then open another application window to provide further opportunities for businesses to apply for financial support.

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-27 14:10:52

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Bedford

Excellent victory for the Bedford Tigers over rivals Hemel Stags Bedford News

With one try and seven conversions, Alex Smith achieved a personal total of 18 points

Bedford Tigers 54 Deer Hemel 14

It was East Premier League action for Bedford Tigers this weekend, with a game against fierce rivals Hemel Stags played in high spirits.

The game started with the Tigers having a decent breeze down their backs and the team with some regulars, a few returning from injury and new players, who immediately bonded well.

Dario Nangle scored an outstanding individual try

The game may have been more consistent than the score suggests, but the Tigers were more clinical and had more moments of exceptional individual skill. Five tries were scored in the first half, against two of their opponents, with Palmer, Moon, Marshall, Hearne and Ryan Litchfield running powerfully the entire match, scoring the first of his two tries for the afternoon. .

The second half was a similar story. The headwind did little to cushion the Tigers’ excellent attacking play and the scoreboard continued to turn. Viller and Hill scored good tries, as well as Litchfield’s second, but an exceptional individual effort from Dario Nangle stood out. Alex Smith scored the last try and with seven conversions achieved a personal total of eighteen points in a complete victory.

An excellent start to this competition, therefore, with the real prospect of fighting for this title for the Tigers, if they keep this form.

Ryan Litchfield ran powerfully the entire game and scored two tries

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-26 15:38:24

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The best kids’ bikes 2021: how to choose the right bike for any age and size, and our favorite models Bedford News

Whether it’s a toddler learning to balance, a new peddler, or a pre-teen transitioning to a gear bike, here are the best kids’ bikes of 2021.

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but this does not affect our editorial judgment.

What should you consider when buying a children’s bicycle?

Unfortunately, it’s not the color scheme or whether there are any decorations on the shelves. More concretely, you have to take into account the size, age and ability of your child as a cyclist.

When you look at the bikes themselves, note their weight. Heavier bikes don’t behave as well. There is a correlation between cheaper and heavier bikes, which is the most compelling argument for spending a little more.

What size bike should you buy for your child?

Don’t fall victim to the mistake of buying a bike that is too big for your little one with the reason why they will become so. An oversized bike is difficult (and dangerous) to steer and handle.

To determine the correct wheel size for your child, measure their height, then choose the corresponding wheel size from the table below:

Graphic courtesy of Kim Mogg

If your child is over 140cm, choose a 26 inch wheel.

1-5 years (toddlers and preschoolers)

For younger children, a balance bike is a smart choice. These simple bikes allow children to “pedal” on the ground with their feet – the bike itself has no pedals or gears.

It allows the child to become familiar with balance while moving and sitting in a saddle. This makes it easier to transition to a pedal bike as they develop more smoothly (and may mean you can avoid using stabilizers then).

It’s worth paying for a decent bike, as a cheap bike will make learning to ride terribly difficult and can act as a deterrent.

If you think “yes, but it’s only for a short period of time – I don’t want to spend too much” – you are buying a moving vehicle for your child, no matter how slow it is, it is worth considering. careful- keep them by buying quality.

Consider arranging a bike swap with other parents with children of different ages / sizes if you can, to get the most out of a bike.

You don’t have to spend a fortune, but a decent little bike will start at around £ 130 (for 12in wheels) and gradually increase as the size of the bike increases.

When you get to teen bikes, the addition of gears means the prices go up dramatically – close to what you’ll pay for an adult bike. The argument can then be more easily advanced (depending on growth spurts) to buy an adult bike.

Are stabilizers worth it?

Frankly, stabilizers will hinder your child’s learning because they will take away any impetus for learning to balance.

Scandiborn Little Dutch Balance Bike

Scandiborn Little Dutch Balance Bike

Best for: young cyclists

Beautiful to look at, this balance bike is the perfect first bike for kids ages 2 and up.

The frame of this balance bike is made of steel, with a scratch resistant coating. The handlebars are easy to adjust, the wheels are puncture-proof and there is an adorable little bell (your child love)

Key specs: Wheels 12-inch wheels, weight 4.5 kg, frame, steel

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The Micro Balance Bike Deluxe

The Micro Balance Bike Deluxe

Best for: children who like to load in grassy parks

Simplicity itself, Micro Balance Bikes are distinguished by extremely smooth wheel action.

The 12-inch air tires have excellent grip, making them ideal for rougher terrain, while the handlebars behave extremely well. The rear wheel has great suspension for more bumpy bits, to keep your child comfortable.

With an ergonomically shaped and height adjustable saddle so that it can grow with your child.

Key specs: Weight 4.1 kg, tires: 12 inches, frame, aluminum.

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Trunki Folding Balance Bike – Pink – 12 “Wheel

Trunki Folding Balance Bike – Pink – 12 “Wheel

Best for: an easy to transport balance bike

This family favorite Trunki balance bike folds into a super light and easy to carry package – it even includes its own carry strap and protective bag (sort of Baby’s-First-Brompton).

You can easily fold it up and lay it on the back of a frame or on your arm when your little one wants to walk. The handling is excellent and the wheels are anti-puncture foam.

Key specs: Weight 3.6 kg, wheel height 12 ”, aluminum frame.

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Carrera Cosmos Kids’ Bike – 14 ” Wheel

Carrera Cosmos Children’s Bike – 14 “Wheel – White 606153

Best for: children passing to pedals

This cute bike from Carrera is the perfect transition bike for a kid going from a balance bike to a real bike – around 4 to 6 years old.

It is designed for the youngest children, with an efficient and robust chain shoe, Kenda tires and reliable alloy V-brakes.

With a stunning unisex design, it is lightweight, easy to adjust, and simple to fit with accessories. A great bike.

Key specs: Weight: 6.0 kg, Frame material: lightweight aluminum, Tires: 14 ”

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SPECIALIZED Riprock 20

SPECIALIZED Riprock 20

Best for: new hawkers who like to cycle on bumpy surfaces

If your child, now relatively comfortable on a bike, is likely to ride over bumpy terrain, this shiny bike from Specialized will make them proud.

The 2.8 inch tire width makes it easy for the bike and rider to tackle rougher roads, while the 7 speed options are the perfect balance for newer ones on the slopes.

It’s not too heavy either and sleek enough for city driving. Also available in a model suitable for girls.

Key specs: Weight: 12.2 kg, Wheel size 12 ”, Number of gears: 7, Frame material: Aluminum.

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Apollo Glitz Kids’ Bike – 18 ” Wheel

Apollo Glitz Kids’ Bike – 18 ” Wheel

An ideal bike for 5-7 year olds who love all things shiny.

With a girl’s saddle, this lightweight number will be loved by any kid who loves bling (although it also works brilliantly)

With a sleek rose gold frame, hot pink chain, and V-brakes on the front and back, it is easy to handle and will keep your little one safe.

Key specs: Weight 10.5 kg, Tire size: 18 ”, frame, aluminum.

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Raleigh Pop 18 2021 18 Inch Kids Wheel

Raleigh Pop 18 2021 18 Inch Wheel Kids Crossbar Bike Blue

Best for: gain confidence as a cyclist

Lightweight and easy to handle, this is another great bike for kids who are transitioning from more basic models to adult models. With an aluminum frame and a low bar for easy assembly for children.

Raleigh’s internal cable routing minimizes the risk of a crash, while aluminum brake levers are designed to be easy for little fingers to use.

With non-slip pedals and perforated protected tires, your child is kept as safe as possible while riding.

Key specs: Weight 9.9 kg, 18 ”tires, with puncture protection, number of gears 6, aluminum frame

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Hoy Bonaly 20 “Superlight 2021 Children’s Bike

Childrens bike Hoy Bonaly 20 Superlight 2021

Best for: children who like to cycle everywhere

The Hoy Bonaly is named after Olympic legend Chris Hoy’s most beloved off-road cycling spots, and is a brilliant choice for kids who have gained some confidence as a cyclist.

It looks like a mountain bike, but not as complex or heavy. With short cranks and rigid forks, it is comfortable and supports children.

Semi-grooved tires allow for off-road driving if the mood takes them.

Great for use on rougher terrain such as grass and uneven paths – if you want to go from road to park and back your child will love it.

Key specs: Weight 8 kg, wheel size 20 inch, number of gears 6, frame material, aluminum

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SCHWINN Shadow 20 inch children’s bike 2020

SCHWINN Shadow 20 inch children’s bike 2020

Schwinn is a classic name in the cycling world and has a reputation for making classic bikes.

This 20 inch model behaves very well, has rear and front brakes for safety and is easy to use for those who are not the most confident riders.

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PINNACLE Aspen 24 inch children’s bike 2020

PINNACLE Aspen 24 inch children’s bike 2020

Best for: older children who like to ride like the wind

The Pinnacle is ideal for taller children who love cycling like the wind – it’s a small, lightweight bolter.

Solidly built enough to withstand a child’s typical slapdash approach to bike maintenance, it is nonetheless light enough to climb hill slopes. All the gears work perfectly and the brakes are extremely safe.

Double chain ring plates prevent derailed chains and greasy hands, and rear-only gears simplify the learning process.

In short, it’s the perfect bike for a pre-teen. We like it.

Key specs: Weight 10.1 kg, tires: 24 ”, aluminum frame

Buy now

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-26 18:24:27

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Jab’s ‘flexibility’ allows more younger people to get vaccinated as part of the variant protection push in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Bedford News

An NHS chief stressed in a meeting yesterday (Tuesday) that they abide by covid trapping rules, but have been given some ‘flexibility’ in classifying people as caregivers or when living in “multigenerational households”.

Geraint Davies, BLMK’s director of performance and governance, said yesterday that vaccinations could be given to people aged 32 and over. This age has since been lowered again.

He added: “We also have the freedom to work locally on so-called multigenerational households and registered and unregistered caregivers.

A vaccine administered

“We work very flexibly with our suppliers and make sure they have a conversation to see how they can fit into the criteria.”

Mr Davies added, however, that they “can’t do a Bolton” and kick everyone over 18, but they do work as part of the advice on who to kick.

The BLMK Clinical Commissioners meeting also learned that the vaccine approach is not only being used in Bedford, which has been hit hard by the Indian variant, but throughout the BLMK region.

“We will be adopting this throughout BLMK,” Davies said.

“We recognize that worrisome variations are increasing, but not only in Bedford.

“It’s possible that it goes everywhere and we have to be ahead of the curve, not behind the curve, and that’s what we’re trying to do with the immunization program.”

The meeting also learned that seven pharmacies in Bedford are expected to start vaccinating people from June 3, with more in the area to follow.

The Bedford Doctors on Call (Bedoc), which ended its injection service, is relaunching it and hopes to vaccinate 20,000 more people.

NHS chiefs have learned that the vaccination program is learning lessons from Luton and Bedford, where people were able to show up for vaccines without prior reservations.

“By taking the vaccine away and allowing people to access it, you increase the vaccination rate,” Davies said.

They have used mobile “vaccine buses” in Bedford and next week St. John Ambulance is ready to help.

“Bringing the vaccine out into the community meets the 3Cs of complacency, trust and convenience,” Davies said.

They have used mosques, churches and community venues to bring the injection service to areas with the lowest vaccination rates.

The meeting was informed that as of Monday, 532,514 first doses had been administered in the BLMK area, and 308,190 received their second injections.

Mr Davies revealed that the region “should offer” a minimum of 90 percent immunization for people in cohorts 1 to 9.

They have already reached this figure with “more than 90%” among those over 65.

But among people over 50 and over 64, that figure ranges between 83% and 89%, he said.

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-26 10:11:14

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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.

The government announced the travel ban on Friday evening

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.”

The government’s announcement on its website
The government’s announcement on its website

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-25 16:54:15

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Over 150 cases of Indian variant recorded last week in Bedford Bedford News

Up to 156 cases of the Indian variant of the coronavirus were detected in Bedford last week, new figures reveal.

Public Health England (PHE) followed the spread of the B.1.617.2 mutation – which originated in India – by testing positive cases of Covid-19 across the country for an ‘S gene’.

The gene is not present in the dominant variant of Kent, which was responsible for an increase in cases over the winter, but is present in other variants of concern, including those from India.

Eligible Bedford residents urged to receive their Covid vaccine

Scientists have determined that the vast majority of S gene specimens identified across England in May are the Indian variant.

PHE identified 156 positive cases of the S gene in Bedford between May 8 and May 14.

The health body previously reported that 71 cases were detected in the region from May 2 to 8, but warned it had counted tests done on May 8 twice.

Bedford has more S-gene positive cases than almost anywhere else in England, although the majority of regions have also reported at least one case.

However, the same study found that they were only 33% effective three weeks after the first dose.

The effectiveness of vaccines against the new variants is seen as a major hurdle blocking the next stage of the roadmap, but the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency has said the possibility of easing restrictions on the 21st June was “good”.

However, Dr Jenny Harries urged the public to be careful to avoid another lockdown, warning that the new Indian variant has become the ‘dominant strain’ in parts of the country.

She told BBC One’s The Andrew Marr Show: “It looks good if people continue to heed all the safety signs, so we shouldn’t stop doing what we’re doing, especially in areas where we have this. variant of concern. “

From June 21 at the earliest, nightclubs are to reopen and restrictions on major events such as festivals are to be lifted, as are restrictions on the number of people at weddings.

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-25 16:24:18