Frontline worker in Bedford shares concerns as surge testing and increased vaccinations announced
She said not many people in the area are sticking to coronavirus rules, especially around social distancing.
Last updated 20th May 2021
A frontline worker in Bedford has raised concerns that not many people in the area are sticking to coronavirus rules, especially around social distancing.
It comes as the Health Secretary announced yesterday (19 May) that surge testing and increased vaccinations are being rolled out in Bedford, after cases of the Indian coronavirus variant were found in the area.
Matt Hancock revealed confirmed cases of the Indian variant in the UK are up more than a quarter in two days, and almost 3,000 cases have been reported.
Lucy told Greatest Hits Radio Bucks, Beds and Herts that she did not know surge testing for the variant was happening in the area:
"I haven't heard anything from health officials or Bedford council, we've had nothing through the door.
"If it's happening then brilliant, but I think that it needs to be a lot more widespread with its information sharing because I don't think me or my family knew that that was happening.
"I think the recent easing of lockdown restrictions has led people to believe that the lockdown rules, such as social distancing, don't apply anymore.
"People definitely don't social distance from when I've been walking around Bedford, whether that's outside or inside."
READ MORE: Third of Bucks fully-vaccinated against coronavirus
Central Bedfordshire Council is also urging people to "get tested to stop the new variant spreading".
They have said that with the rise of new COVID-19 variants, "it’s never been more important to test yourself regularly".
There is more information about rapid tests online.