Due to rising cases of Covid across the town, Luton are moving into the government’s high-alert level.  The high-alert level introduces further restrictions to try and control the spread of the virus.

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).

There will be a many of you who will have friends or family in Luton, or you might travel to Luton for work or study. It is critical that you are aware of these changes and are extra vigilant.

If you do have friends and family in Luton, you can still visit them but only outside and 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 and, where possible to cycle or walk.  If using public transport people are asked to try to avoid busy times. If you need to travel into/ from Luton, we would also encourage you to follow this advice.

Clearly this is a worrying time and the increasing levels of infection locally is a stark reminder that we all need to make every effort possible to control the spread of the virus.

Whilst infection levels in Central Bedfordshire are not at the same level as Luton’s there is absolutely no room for complacency.  Each and every one of us can make a difference by taking personal responsibility to follow the core advice to:

• wash your hands regularly
• wear a face covering
• socially distance from anyone you don’t live with or who is not in your support bubble

We know these measures are effective. They worked before and can work again.

We need to pull together to control the virus, keep each other safe and avoid further restrictions. 

Please help by sharing this advice with your friends and family so that together we will all control the virus and stay safe.