By KLTV Newsdesk –
The Covid-19 infection rate falls in Kirklees once again alongside deaths, however, there has been a slight increase in hospitalisations.
Covid-19 restrictions remain eased, while anyone over the age of 16 can now receive their first dose of the vaccine if they haven’t already.
Cases and Hospitalisations
328 people per 100,000 in Kirklees have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last week
This is an overall decrease of around six per cent over the last seven days. The rate remains above the current national average, however, which is 299.7 people per 100,000.
Sadly, three more people died in local hospitals due to Covid-19 related complications over the past week.
Hospital admissions have increased from 37 to 39 in the last seven days, and are still high amongst the 20-39 age group.
Vaccinations
At the time of writing, over 283,000 people have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and 252,000 of those have received their second.
Over 16s
Everyone in Kirklees aged 16 or 17 can now get their first dose of the vaccine.
The goal according to the government is to get as many vaccinated with their first dose before they return to school in September.
16 and 17 year-olds can get their vaccine at several clinics across the borough. The clinics offering the vaccine for this age group are:
- Honley Village Hall
- Slaithwaite Civic Hall
- The John Smith’s Stadium
You do not need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to attend a walk-in clinic.
The NHS had also released a new site finder in order for you to find your nearest clinic vaccinating over 16s.
Anyone 18 or over can also use the site finder to find a local walk-in service or book an appointment using the National Booking Service.
Further age groups
It has been announced that in line with guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Kirklees Council will be extending its vaccination rollout programme to the most vulnerable children, and those who live with vulnerable adults.
Clinically vulnerable children aged 12 to 15, and those who live with vulnerable adults, will be invited to take their vaccine by the NHS over the next few weeks.
Parents and carers of children should wait to be contacted either by their GP or specialist hospital team.
The vaccine will also be offered to children aged 12 years and over who live with someone who is immunosuppressed, such as those receiving chemotherapy or who have had a transplant.
‘Positive Impact’
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 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 are still seeing hospital admissions rise amongst younger age groups. The best way to protect yourself, whatever your age, is to take the vaccine.”
Ms Spencer-Henshall also noted the importance of regular rapid lateral flow testing, even if you have had the vaccine.
She added: “Rapid lateral flow testing identifies those who do not have Covid symptoms but may have the virus and be spreading it unknowingly.