Coronavirus update 25.03.21

Date Added: 25/03/2021

In line with national NHS guidance and the ongoing commitment to keep pregnant women, their partners and hospital staff as safe as possible, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (which includes Bedford Hospital and the Luton and Dunstable Hospital) is encouraging all pregnant women and their partners to use the rapid coronavirus (COVID) testing service (also known as Lateral Flow Testing) ahead of their 12wks and 20wks scan appointments.

Rapid testing is available at various centres across Central Bedfordshire and is managed by the Council. These are all walk-in testing centres, so no appointment is required.

Women and their partners are advised to be tested no more than 48hrs before their 12wks or 20wks scan appointment date, for e.g., if your appointment is on Thursday try to get your test no earlier than the Tuesday of that week.

These test results will not only help the Trust to manage any asymptomatic (people with no coronavirus symptoms) COVID positive patients in a controlled way but will also reduce the risk of the virus spreading in our hospitals.

With around one in three people who have coronavirus showing no symptoms, testing is also vital for those individuals who have regular contact with people who are not part of their household or bubble through either their work or education.

Regular testing will help identify more people who have COVID-19 and help to reduce the spread of the virus as they will know to self-isolate.

You can get tested at any of the following centres. The testing centres are safe and social distancing measures are in place at all times.

Flitwick Leisure Centre - MK45 1TH

The Dunstable Centre - LU5 4JD

Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre in Biggleswade - SG18 8SU

(Please note, the test centre at Biggleswade operates on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, from 8am to 8pm).

For further information, click here.

COVID-19 health advice

Vaccinations - your questions answered
The Covid-19 vaccination programme continues to be a success with over 17 million people in the UK now had their first jab

However, some people are unsure about some of the things they have heard about the vaccinations.

To help reassure you and dispel some of the myths that are currently circulating, we’ve pulled together some of the common misconceptions and answers for you.

Read more about the vaccine

Watch out for vaccine scams
Unfortunately some criminals are taking advantage of the roll out of the coronavirus vaccine to commit fraud.

The most important point to remember is that the vaccine is free of charge.

The NHS will never:

ask you for your bank account or card details
ask you for your PIN or banking password
arrive unannounced to your home to administer the vaccine
ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips

Find out more and how to report issues on the Action Fraud website.

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