Bedford urged to stay out of shops unless essential as infection rate remains high

Non-essential shops like clothes and toy shops are allowed to reopen today, with some safety measures in place.

But in Bedford, where the infection rate still remains high, the mayor is urging people not to rush down to the shops and only go shopping if it really is essential.

The council has also asked the public to continue to do their part in slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus by only making journeys if necessary and ensuring that social distancing is maintained.

They say there has been an increase in cleaning in the town centre, and there are floor markers signs and banners around the town and in shops to remind people to stay two metres apart from each other.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: