By Tatiana Zaituni & Leah Conway –
COVID-19 infection rates have dropped slightly over the last week but Kirklees’ numbers are not falling as quickly as many other parts of the country.
Cases & Hospitalisations
There were 1,015 new positive COVID-19 cases in the borough over the last seven days which is a small drop of seven per cent on last week.
98 Kirklees residents were admitted to local hospitals over the last week, which has decreased from 106 last week.
There are currently 186 patients from Kirklees in local hospitals with COVID-19 which is remains higher than the first peak in spring last year.
There were sadly 17 COVID-19 related deaths in the last week – down from 26 last week.
In the last seven days, 230 per 100,000 people in Kirklees tested positive for COVID-19, compared to the previous week when it was 248 per 100,000 people.
The latest data on COVID-19 cases in Kirklees can be found on the council’s online dashboard.
National Figures
In the last seven days, there have been 148,725 confirmed positive cases nationwide – a 25.7% decrease from last week.
In the same time period, there have been 7124 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
Vaccinations
As of this week, the total number of COVID-19 Vaccinations have passed the 10,000,000 mark.
So far 10,490,487 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 501,957 of people have received their second dose.
The John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield was recently opened as a mass vaccination site for the Kirklees area.
Lockdown
This week brings us to the end of our fifth week in Lockdown.
National lockdown means you should stay at home unless otherwise stated. For full information visit the government website of COVID-19 guidelines.
‘Under Pressure’
Speaking on the latest figures, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council said: “Infection rates have fallen this week but not as quickly as in other parts of the country. Our rates are still high and are moving much closer to the national average.
“The number of Kirklees residents being treated for the virus in local hospitals has fallen from last week but our vital NHS services remain under pressure.
“The country hit a positive milestone this week, with more than ten million vaccines now administered.
“In Kirklees, we saw the opening of the John Smith’s Stadium as a mass vaccination site, which is more great news. But we all have a part to play in protecting our families and communities while the vaccine programme continues to roll out.
“The best thing you can do to protect your family and community is to stay at home. Only leave your home for essential reasons and for exercise and don’t mix with other households.
“I know how difficult the lockdown restrictions are, but please continue to do everything you’re doing to keep each other safe. Thank you once again for playing your part.”
COVID-19 News in Brief
Captain Tom Moore died on Tuesday, 2 February.
Captain Moore was admitted to Bedford Hospital on Sunday 31st January after being treated for pneumonia.
He tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
Due to his ongoing medication for pneumonia, Captain Tom was unable to receive his covid-19 vaccination. He will remain a national inspiration after his dedication and fundraising of over £32 Million for the NHS during the first lockdown.
The Prime Minister led a national ‘Clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore’ and healthcare workers on the evening of 3 February.
A single confirmed case of COVID-19 in Western Australia led to over 2 million people entering a five-day lockdown.
The Debate around when to reopen schools in the UK continues. Will Wragg, a former minister, has argued the schools in England should reopen when Scottish schools do on 22 February.
Almost 9 in 10 of all over 80s and over half of all people over 70 have been vaccinated, says Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock.
Over 400 Million various coronavirus vaccine doses are currently on order for the UK.