By Tatiana Zaituni –
Kirklees’ COVID-19 infection rate has dropped by 8 per cent over the past week, in line with the national trend.
However, the region has also seen an increase again this week in hospital admissions and COVID-19 deaths.
Cases and Hospitalisations
Kirklees’ infection rate sees 315 people per 100,000 in Kirklees testing positive for COVID-19, which is an increase of 8 per cent across the brought since last week.
This is below the national average, which is 357.3 people per 100,000, and is the 70th highest rate in the country.
Hospital admissions have increased from 45 to 48 in the last seven days, and sadly three more people have died from COVID-19 related deaths in the same period.
Vaccinations
286,000 Kirklees residents have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 261,000 of those have received their second.
Anyone over the age of 16 is being urged to book their vaccination as soon as possible to reduce the chances of becoming seriously ill.
National Figures
There have been 240,182 confirmed positive cases nationwide in the last seven days, an increase from the previous week’s cases.
Over the past seven days, there have been 798 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
At the time of writing, 48,171,998 people have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 43,142,747 people receiving their second dose.
Mobile Testing Clinics
Kirklees Council is hosting a number of mobile testing sites across the borough for residents to get a lateral flow test and pick up home testing kits.
There’s no need to make an appointment, as the centre’s are drop in, though a few locations will only be offering test collection, and no on-site testing.
Over the next week, they will be visiting Chickenley, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Birstall, Meltham, Holmfirth, Marsh and Huddersfield town centre
Mon 6 Sept, 9 am-12 pm – Meltham Group Practice, 1 The Cobbles, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 5QQ (collect only)
Mon 6 Sept, 1 pm – 4 pm – Chickenley Community Centre, Princess Road, Chickenley, Dewsbury WF12 8QT (collect only)
Tues 7 Sept, 9 am-4 pm – Morrisons, 17 Union St, Heckmondwike WF16 0HD (collect only)
Wed 8 Sept, 9 am-4 pm – Co-op supermarket, Westbourne Rd, Marsh, Hudds HD1 4LG (collect only)
Thurs 9 Sept, 9 am-4 pm – Birstall Market Car Park, Market Street, Birstall WF17 9EL (collect only)
Fri 10 Sept, 9 am – 4 pm – Dewsbury Asda, Mill Street West, Dewsbury WF12 9AE (collect only)
Sat 11 Sept, 10 am – 4 pm – New Street, Huddersfield Town Centre, HD1 (test & collect)
Sun 12 Sept, 9 am-4 pm – Market Street, Holmfirth, Huddersfield HD9 7AX (test & collect)
‘Protect yourself and loved ones’
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said “The vaccine rollout is having a 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 are 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 still see hospital admissions rise amongst younger age groups.
“The best way to protect yourself, whatever your age, is to take the vaccine.
“Regular rapid lateral flow testing is so important to help stop the spread of the virus, even if you have been vaccinated.
“[Testing] identifies those who do not have Covid symptoms but may have the virus and be spreading it unknowingly.
“Thanks to your fantastic response, we already have positive levels of vaccine uptake in Kirklees with 286,000 local people have had their first dose and 261,000 of those have received their second – thank you all for playing your part.”
All data is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change as figures are updated.