By Tatiana Zaituni –
Kirklees COVID-19 infection rate has decreased slightly over the past seven days, while hospitalisations and deaths have increased.
Cases and Hospitalisations
The Kirklees infection rate over the past week was 444 people per 100,000, a decrease of five per cent over the previous period.
These numbers are higher than the national average, which is 381.4 people per 100,000.
The number of hospital admissions have increased from 44 to 47 over the last week.
Admissions to local hospitals remain highest among the 20-39 age group.
Sadly, two more people died from COVID-19 related deaths in local hospitals over the last seven days.
Vaccinations
At the time of writing, over 296,000 Kirklees residents have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 271,000 of those have received their second.
Bookings are now taking place for those over 50 for a third dose of the vaccine as a booster shot through winter.
Anyone aged 16 and over in Kirklees can book their vaccination now.
National Figures
There were 277,875 confirmed positive cases nationwide in the last seven days, increasing from the previous week’.
Over the past week, there have been 823 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test, a rise from last week.
So far, 49,291,665 people have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 45,269,240 people receiving their second dose.
Other Covid News
Lateral flow tests are set to be introduced as a cheaper option for those returning to England after going abroad.
The new rules will allow travellers returning to England to take lateral flow tests instead of more expensive PCR tests, and will come into force from 24 October.
The government says the changes will take effect when families are returning from half-term breaks.
All data is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change as figures are updated.