People who live, work or study in the areas of Cauldwell, Kingsbrook, Queens Park and the Wixams are being strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR

‍

1,500people have already taken a PCR test as part of surge testing which began in Bedford Borough last week to tackle rising cases related to a variant of concern first identified in India.

With cases in Bedford Borough still rising and with the third highest COVID-19 rate in the country, it’s really important that everyone- adults and children- who lives, works or studies in these areas takes a PCR test.

Surge testing of people without symptoms in these areas will help to identify more cases and break chains of transmission. The PCR tests provide a result within 2days and will allow public health experts to track the local spread of the variant of concern. People without symptoms who take a test as part of surge testing do not need to isolate while they wait for the result, unless they’ve been asked to isolate for another reason.

Until Friday 28 May, Mobile Testing Units are available at:

Oasis Beach Pool, Cardington Road, MK42 0BZ (8am to 6pm)

John Bunyan Sports and Fitness, Mile Road, MK42 9TS (8am to 6pm)

Enterprise House, Old Ford End Road, MK40 4PF (8am to 5pm)

Seasons Garden Centre, Bedford Road, Wixams, MK45 3HU (8.30am to 6pm)

These units accept people in cars and on foot, and no appointment is necessary.

Collect and drop off points are available for those who prefer to test at home:

London Road Surgery

Morrisons car park on Ampthill Road (please note this is replacing Cauldwell Community Centre)

Queens Park Community Centre

Lakeview Village Hall at Wixams‍

Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Public Health said “It’s vital that everyone who lives, works or studies in Cauldwell, Kingsbrook, Queens Park and the Wixams take a COVID-19PCR test. We have already found 14 additional COVID-19 cases as a result of this surge testing, and those people are self-isolating - protecting others. Support to isolate is available, including a £700 payment for people on low incomes.

“Please get tested, help us slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities.”

‍