Residents urged to help stop the spread as Luton enters High Alert tier before second national lockdown

Residents across Bedfordshire are being urged to play their part in helping stop the spread of coronavirus after Luton was moved into the government’s ‘High Alert’ level.

The new measures in the town were introduced at the weekend - before the Prime Minister announced a second national lockdown.

They restrict people from mixing indoors with anyone they don’t live with – unless they form part of a support bubble or are essential carers. The rule of six still applies to all outdoor spaces until Thursday when the national lockdown begins.

In addition, people are being urged to limit the number of journeys they make away from home and plan ahead to avoid using public transport at busy times, and try to walk or cycle where possible.

The new measures are being put in after infections continued to rise across the town, including a concerning increase in positive tests for over 60s – who are much more vulnerable to the virus.

Admissions to Luton & Dunstable Hospital are also rising, and there have been confirmed Covid-19 related deaths.

Police and Crime Commissioner 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’ll become seriously ill, whatever their age, and, 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."

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

“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.

“We’d like to reassure the community that we, and the rest of the NHS, are open and doing everything we can to keep all our patients safe. We are here if you need us. If you have health concerns – please come forward.”