Coronavirus in Bedford: Rates remain high but falling
New figues released show that the rate of coronavirus in Bedford remains high, but is starting to fall.
An investigation was launched by Public Health England and the Joint Biosecurity Centre because of concerns the area was becoming a 'hot spot' for Covid-19.
It has shown that women between 30 and 59 have been mostly affected and most cases are in the town centre.
Although numbers are falling officials say they are increasing testing at Bedford hospital where there have been 216 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
The figures come from a detailed investigation into coronavirus in Bedford, although the full report hasn't yet been completed, the Borough Council is hoping they will help identify any clusters or reasons behind the high rate.
According to Public Health England there have been 49 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Bedford in the fortnight from 22nd June. That is 10% of all the positive in the East of England.
NHS reports a further two coronavirus patients have died in the Anglia region
Find out the coronavirus infection rate in your part of the Anglia region
Bedford's Mayor is urging everyone to keep two metres apart, wear a face covering, and regularly wash their hands.
The figures come from a detailed investigation into coronavirus in Bedford, although the full report hasn't yet been completed, the Borough Council is hoping they will help identify any clusters or reasons behind the high rate.
Bedford has seen the highest coronavirus infection rate in the East of England with 724 confirmed cases for every 100,000 in the population. The comparable figure for the East of England is 377.
The county of Bedfordshire, including Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton has seen the highest death rate in the region with 566 people dying during the outbreak until 19th June. That is 93 people per 100,000 in the population.