Weekly COVID-19 update 04.11.21
Date Added: 04/11/2021
COVID-19 cases down this week but remain high
Over the last week (week ending 3 November), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have fallen by 69 to 1,746 (593.7 cases per 100,000). Although the numbers have dropped, it’s still the third highest number recorded since the start of the pandemic. While there were no deaths registered in our area in the last reporting week we have seen an increase in the number of people in local hospitals with COVID-19.
The reports from our neighbours show a similar picture with case numbers down but still high :
• Bedford - 797 new cases, down 2 (456.2 cases per 100,000) with 4 deaths reported
• Luton - 919 new cases, down 48 (430.4 cases per 100,000) with 4 deaths reported
• Milton Keynes - 1,260 new cases, down 124 (466.3 cases per 100,000) and 3 deaths reported
The deputy chief medical officer for England Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said this week that while cases across the country appeared to have stabilised, they are very high and above most of Europe. Across England, deaths are rising and there are signs that infections are starting to increase in older age groups who are more vulnerable.
Prof Van Tam told the BBC: “Too many people believe this pandemic is now over…I personally feel there are some hard months to come in the winter and it is not over.
“My worry is that deaths are increasing and that shows the infection is starting to penetrate into older age groups so if there is one thing people take away, if you are called for your booster, if you are called for your flu vaccine please go and get them…this is not the time to be complacent.”
He added that face coverings and the caution people took in interacting with others, along with the speed of vaccinations, would be "a big determinant between what happens now and the darkest months of the winter".
Weekly reports
Boost your immunity this winter
As long as you have proof that there have been at least six months (182 days) since your second vaccine, you can now walk into a variety of places across our area to get your COVID-19 booster vaccination. There are plenty of sites that are offering drop in sessions with no appointment needed. Visit the NHS vaccination drop-in page for the latest sites and their opening hours.
Missed your first or second dose? It’s never too late!
Anyone over 16 can have their first or second vaccination by using NHS walk-in centres to get their jab. No appointment needed. Details of drop-in times are here
Booking an appointment
You may find it easier and more convenient to book an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccination, to do this visit the National Booking System website.
If you want to know more about the vaccine and when you may be eligible for a booster, check out the vaccine information page on the local NHS website
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