Coronavirus latest: 35 new cases confirmed in Central Bedfordshire today

The total number of cases in the district now stands at 1,680 (+35).

Elsewhere in the county, Luton has 2,231 (+22) cases, while Bedford's figure stands at 1,782 (+24).

There have been 544,275 lab-confirmed cases in the UK, up by 14,162 today.

The number of UK deaths with coronavirus on the death certificate is 57,347. Over the last 24 hours, 70 people are reported to have died.

Daily coronavirus figures have risen dramatically in the UK over the past week, from 6,914 new infections on October 1 to a record high of 22,961 on October 4 (Sunday).

The government is understood to considering tightening restrictions in England and Wales even further.

This could comprise three tiers for local lockdowns, with pubs and restaurants closed completely in areas with high infection rates.

Many hospitality businesses have criticised the current 10pm curfew after an already financially devastating year. The worst hit areas could be offered more support by the treasury.