By Tatiana Zaituni –
Kirklees COVID-19 infection rate dropped by 15 per cent over the past week alongside COVID-19 related hospital admissions and deaths.
Additionally, residents aged 40 and over can now receive their Covid-19 booster jab to help through the winter, alongside 16 and 17-year-olds who are being offered their second dose of the vaccine.
Cases and Hospitalisations
Over the past week, Kirklees’ infection rate dropped by 15 per cent, with 281 people per 100,000 testing positive for the virus.
The rate is currently lower than the national average and the 128th highest in the country. In total there were 1,242 in the last seven days.
32 people were admitted to local hospitals due to Covid-19 in the last week, a reduction of eight, and sadly, four more people died in the same period.
Vaccinations
Over 304,000 people in Kirklees have had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, with an additional 275,000 having had their second.
Beyond that, 94,000 people have had their third ‘Booster’ shot for additional protection against the virus.
Residents aged 40+ in Kirklees are now eligible for their booster jab and can book online if it’s been at least five months since their 2nd dose, otherwise, they will be offered an appointment from six months after the date.
16 and 17 years are now officially eligible for their second Covid-19 vaccine, and can get it either through appointment or using the NHS walk-in finder.
National Figures
There were 292,417 confirmed positive cases nationwide in the last seven days, an increase of 8% over the previous period.
Nationally, as of 21 November 2021, 50,777,474 people had been given a first dose of the vaccine, with 46,168,300 people having received their second.
Additionally, 15,331,311 have had their booster jab.
‘It’s not too late’
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “It’s positive news that new Covid-19 infections have reduced once again over the past week.
“But our rates remain high and winter is a time when infections like Covid-19 can spread more easily. That’s why I’m asking everyone to enjoy winter safely.
“When it’s your turn, the best thing you can do to keep safe is to get your booster jab. If you’re eligible and it’s been more than five months since your last jab, you can book your booster today.
“If you haven’t had your first or second dose yet, it’s definitely not too late to protect yourself. Just log on to the NHS website or call 119 to arrange yours.