Please note that Luton have announced they are moving into the government’s high alert level due to high and increasing COVID-19 infections.
From Saturday 31 October, Luton residents will no longer be able to meet friends and family indoors in any setting (including private homes, pubs and restaurants) unless they live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. This is the key difference from our area (medium level alert).
Luton residents can still meet people they don’t live with outside, but not in groups larger than six.
Luton businesses, pubs, restaurants, places of worship, libraries and leisure centres all remain open, where they are Covid-secure.
People can still travel to and from Luton, but Luton residents are being encouraged to limit the number of journeys they make away from their homes. Where possible they are being asked to cycle or walk and, if using public transport, to try to avoid busy times.
There will be many of our residents who will have friends and family in Luton or who travel to Luton for work or study. It is important that they are aware of these changes, are extra vigilant and continue to take the necessary personal measures to reduce infection such as handwashing, wearing a face covering and social distancing.
Locally, our public health colleagues are keeping a very close eye on the infection levels across Central Bedfordshire and particularly in relation to communities that neighbour Luton. Whilst infection levels in Central Bedfordshire are not at the same level as Luton’s, there is no room for complacency and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Our core advice to residents in Central Bedfordshire has not changed in terms of the measures we should all be taking to prevent infection (e.g. handwashing, face covering, social distancing) and the actions we should take if we develop symptoms (self-isolate and get tested).
Luton are also arranging for additional testing facilities in the town. We are awaiting to hear more about this but it is our understanding that this will be for anyone who has symptoms and they can book through the national system online or by calling 119. It’s also our understanding that these testing facilities will not be restricted to Luton residents only. If they are the closest available testing facility, they should be available to anyone looking to get a test. We will confirm when more information is available.