Coronavirus latest: 193 new cases confirmed in Central Bedfordshire today

The total number of cases in the district now stands at 5,204 (+193).

The case rate in Central Beds is now 279.2 per 100,000.

Elsewhere in the county, Luton has 7,742 (+186) cases while Bedford's figure is at 4,275 (+87).

There have been 1,977,167 lab-confirmed cases across the UK, up by a daily rise of 28,507.

66,541 deaths within 28 days of a positive test have been recorded, up by 489 today.

Yesterday, the government confirmed Bedfordshire will enter Tier 3 restrictions from Saturday, December 19.

Once the Tier 3 restrictions apply, residents must:

> Not mix with other households indoors;

> Only meet people outdoors in open public spaces in groups of up to six;

> Reduce their number of journeys, avoid travel outside of the area;

> Work from home if possible;

> Indoor entertainment venues will close as will all pubs and restaurants, although they can provide delivery, take-away or drive through services. Hotels will also close.