By Tatiana Zaituni –
Kirklees’ COVID-19 infection rate has increased by over 50 per cent in the last seven days.
However, both hospitalisations and the number of deaths as a result of the virus have seen a reduction.
Cases and Hospitalisations
There have been 1,957 reported cases of COVID-19 in the last week, with Kirklees having the 17th highest rates in the country.
These numbers mean the infection rate is 444 people per 100,000 in the borough, an increase of 56% over last week.
This is above the national average, which is currently 354.2 people per 100,000.
Hospitalisations in Kirklees have seen a reduction over the last seven days, with 39 people admitted to local hospitals, which is a decrease from 40 in the previous period.
Sadly, there were five more deaths in hospitals across the borough as a result of COVID-19 over the past week.
Hospital admissions are currently highest amongst the 20-39 age group.
Vaccinations
At the time of writing, over 290,000 Kirklees residents have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 268,000 of those having had their second.
Anyone of the age of 16 is being urged to book their vaccination as soon as possible in order to significantly reduce their chances of becoming seriously ill with the virus.
National Figures
There have been 246,196 confirmed positive cases nationwide in the last seven days, an increase from the previous week.
In the same time period, there have been 859 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test; also an increase from the previous week.
So far, 48,829,118 people have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 44,867,373 people receiving their second dose.
Mobile Clinics and Testing
The council is continuing to host several mobile testing and test kit collection sites for people who are otherwise unable to access a test.
This weekends locations and times are below.
Sat 2 Oct, 9 am–4 pm – Home Bargains, Northgate, Cleckheaton BD19 3HJ (test & collect)
Sun 3 Oct, 9 am-4 pm – Wakefield Road, Tandem, Waterloo, Huddersfield HD5 0AL (test & collect)
Additionally, there are a number of walk-in vaccination clinics across Kirklees that can be used with no need to book in advance.
The NHS site finder is available for residents to find their nearest walk-in clinic.
‘Positive Impact’
Speaking on the latest figures, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council said: “The vaccine rollout is having a really positive impact and is absolutely the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.
“By taking both the first and second doses of the vaccine, you’re protecting yourself and will also reduce your chances of passing Covid-19 on to someone who could become severely ill.
“Just because you’re young and healthy, there’s no guarantee Covid-19 won’t significantly impact your health and we are still seeing hospital admissions rise amongst younger age groups.
“The best way to protect yourself, whatever your age, is to take the vaccine.
“Thanks to your fantastic response, we already have positive levels of vaccine uptake in Kirklees with 290,000 local people having had their first dose and 268,000 of those have received their second – thank you all for playing your part.”