By KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees’ Covid-19 infection rate and deaths have reduced this week, alongside an increase in hospital admissions. New restrictions for the whole of the country are set to be introduced from Monday 13 December in response to the Omicron variant.
Cases and Hospitalisations
This week, Kirklees’ Covid-19 infection rate for all residents is down by 3 per cent at 249.9 per 100,000 people and is still below the national average.
In the last seven days, 1,290 people have tested positive for the virus.
23 people were admitted to local hospitals due to Covid-19 in the last seven days, an increase of five people over the previous period.
Sadly, there were 5 Covid-19 related deaths recorded in local hospitals in the last seven days.
Vaccinations
As of the time of writing, over 315,000 people have had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, with over 288,000 of those having had their second dose.
Additionally, over 148,000 people have had their third ‘booster’ dose of the vaccine.
You can book your first, second or booster vaccination by visiting the NHS national booking system.
Alternatively, there are a number of walk-in vaccination clinics available across Kirklees and you can use the new NHS site finder to find your nearest walk-in clinic.
Over 30s and other eligible people can pre-book a Covid-19 booster appointment online if it’s been at least 2 months (61 days) since the 2nd dose.
National Figures
Nationally, 360,480 people have tested positive for Covid-19.
As of the time of writing, 89.1 per cent of the UK has had their first dose of the vaccine, with 81.3 per cent having had their second. Additionally, 40.2 per cent of those have had their third ‘booster’ dose of the vaccine.
New Restrictions
As cases of the Omicron variant continue to increase, the UK government has announced a series of new restrictions set to roll out from next week.
Beginning Monday 13 December, residents are being advised to work from home where possible.
From Tuesday 14 December, double-vaccinated residents should now take daily lateral flow tests for seven days if they come into contact with a person with Covid-19, rather than self-isolate.
Those who are unvaccinated should still isolate if they come into contact with a person who has the virus.
On and after Wednesday 15 December Only three visitors and an essential caregiver will be allowed to visit a resident in a care home.
Additionally, the NHS COVID pass, or a negative lateral flow test, will be required for entry into nightclubs and venues where larger crowds gather, including:
- unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people
- unseated outdoor venues with more than 5,000 people
- all venues with more than 10,000 people.
Beyond this, face coverings are once again compulsory in shops, theatres, cinemas, places of worship and on public transport.
‘Take Extra Care’
Speaking on the new restrictions, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “The introduction of further restrictions will help us all stay safe and well during the winter period and is a reminder that we all need to take extra care this festive period and enjoy our celebrations together.
“There’s still a lot we don’t know about the Omicron variant, but what we do know is that getting the Covid-19 vaccine and booster dose is the best way of protecting yourself and others against serious illness.”