Coronavirus latest: Luton residents urged to help 'stop the spread' before national lockdown hits

Bosses from Bedfordshire Police, Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust have warned members of the public to be vigilant after a rapid rise in cases.

Last week, residents were notified that Luton would enter Tier-2 restrictions from Saturday, October 31.

However, this news was quickly superseded by the government's announcement that a national lockdown would come into effect on Thursday, November 5. This will be reviewed every four weeks.

Two deaths were recorded at Luton & Dunstable Hospital last week.

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Kathryn Holloway said: "This is not just an older person’s problem; death rates among our NHS workers and diverse communities prove that.

"This is an emergency affecting every single one of us, where it’s impossible to predict who will become seriously ill, whatever their age.

"Whatever any of us think of the government, this is not a matter of politics but of every single person needing to take responsibility for their own health and that of others, to protect themselves and those they love most."

Paul Tisi, joint medical director of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “On the back of the increasing community infection rates, we are seeing increased numbers of patients coming into our hospitals who have tested positive for Covid – both the Luton & Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital. This is obviously concerning.

“We now know much more about the disease, which helps us in treating patients. But, inevitably, if these rates keep going up, we will see more patients in our hospitals, and sadly, more people in our community will die.

“Please comply with the guidance and the rules. Reducing the amount of contacts you have with other people makes a massive impact on the transmission, and ultimately, it will save lives."

Increased testing for the town is being brought in to help identify outbreaks, and Bedfordshire Police and Luton Council are teaming up to carry out enforcement patrols to check that businesses and venues are Covid-compliant.

Speaking before the national lockdown was announced, Chief Superintendent John Murphy from Beds Police, said: “The action being taken in Luton is a stark reminder of how virulent and dangerous coronavirus is, and everyone needs to help stop the spread to keep us all safe and reduce pressure on the NHS.

“We’re really grateful to the vast majority of people who have been following the guidelines, and that made a real difference in driving down the rates over the summer.

"Unfortunately we are obviously seeing a real increase now, so it is vital that everyone is vigilant and adheres to the rules around social distancing, the rule of six and isolating when advised to following a positive test or exposure to those with the virus.

“We will be out patrolling alongside Luton Council’s Covid Marshalls explaining the rules, but will not hesitate to fine those who are flagrantly ignoring the guidance.”

Dr Kirti Singh, a GP at Medina Medical Centre in Luton, said: “We are seeing more patients in our local hospital testing positive for and becoming very unwell with coronavirus, I urge residents to follow the government guidance of the ‘Hands, Face, Space’ campaign, do not meet more than six people outdoors and remember to keep your social distance; and do not visit anyone inside their home, or allow anyone to visit you.

“There is extra testing being offered in Luton and we are working hard to keep you