By KLTV Newsdesk –
COVID-19 infections in Kirklees have risen by 61% over the past week with over 1100 new cases recorded over the seven-day period.
The increase comes as the UK looks set to remove the vast majority of COVID-19 restrictions on July 19, dubbed as ‘Freedom Day’.
Despite the increase, the borough retains the lowest infection rate in West Yorkshire and its rate is now in line with the England average.
Cases and Hospitalisations
In the last seven days, there were 1,165 cases in Kirklees, which is an increase of 61%.
The rate of infection currently stands at 265 per 100,000 people.
The number of people admitted to local hospitals with COVID-19 has increased this week to 29 and there was one COVID-related death recorded in the borough.
The council says they are urging residents to make sure they’ve had both vaccine doses to stay safe this summer.
Over 283,000 people have now had their first dose of the vaccine, and 219,000 of those have had their second.
Anyone in Kirklees over the age of 18 can now book a vaccination.
As well as the usual vaccination sites such as the John Smith’s Stadium, the council says they are continuing to run several pop-up clinics each week, with the aim of reaching those who otherwise cannot get to a vaccine centre.
‘Fully Vaccinated’
Kirklees Director of Public Health, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, said: “Our area is no different from many other parts of the country which have seen infection rates rise over recent weeks.
“With most restrictions coming to an end in the next few weeks, it’s so important that as many people as possible are fully vaccinated.
“It’s the best way to keep yourself, your family and your community safe.
“We are making it as easy as possible for every adult in Kirklees to get a jab. If you’re over 18, you can log on to the NHS website or call 119 to get an appointment right now.
“We’re also holding dozens of pop-up vaccination clinics across Kirklees to make it even easier to get protected.
“You don’t need to book an appointment, just turn up to get your first or second jab.
“Anyone can bring their second doses forward to 8 weeks following their first.”
Ms Spencer-Henshall reiterated that the best thing residents can do to keep themselves safe is to get two doses of the vaccine.
She added: “It will reduce your chances of getting the virus, its impact on you if you do get it and make you much less likely to pass it on.
“If you’ve only had one dose, make sure you book your second so that you get the protection you need.”
The council is also encouraging residents to wear a mask when around a lot of people indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Ms Spencer-Henshall said: “There will always be people who can’t take the vaccine, who remain vulnerable to it or live with someone who could be seriously affected by it.
“That’s why the ‘hands, face, space’ message is still important.
“While the virus is out there at the levels we are currently seeing, there are risks for a lot of Kirklees people.
“Over the past 16 months, people in every part of Kirklees have looked out for each other, made sacrifices to keep their community safe and followed the guidelines to minimise the number of people falling ill to this virus.
“With infections still at a high level, we can all continue to play our part in protecting those who are most vulnerable to the virus.”