By Tatiana Zaituni and Leah Conway –
After a slight decrease last week, COVID-19 infection rates in Kirklees have risen once again, with a rise of 37 per cent following the nationwide trend.
Cases and Hospitalisations
With 158 people per 100,000 in Kirklees testing positive for Covid-19 over the last seven days, the borough’s infection rate has increased by 37 per cent since last week.
However, infection rates are now closer to the national average, which is 149 people per 100,000.
Thankfully, there were zero deaths in local hospitals related to Covid-19 over the last week. However, there were 17 people admitted to those hospitals in that time, which has increased from 15 the previous week.
Covid-19 admissions have increased, particularly in the 40-59 age group.
Kirklees Council is continuing PCR surge testing and increased testing offers to identify and limit any potential variant cases.
Vaccinations
So far, 282,000 Kirklees residents have had their first dose and 215,000 of those have received their second.
In Kirklees, all people aged over 18 can now book their vaccines.
There have also been several temporary pop-up vaccination clinics opening across Kirklees on various days each week. Last weekend saw a large pop-up vaccination centre in St George’s Square as part of the NHS’s ‘Big Vaccination’ weekend.
This weekend will see a pop-up vaccination centre at the Chestnut Centre in Sheepridge from 11 am to 2 pm on 3 July.
Related: How successful was surge testing in Kirklees?
National Figures
In the last 7 days, there have been 58,830 confirmed positive cases nationwide, a further increase from last week’s cases. There have been a further 78 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
Nationally so far, 44,860,978 people have had their first dose with 33,048,199 of those people receiving their second dose.
Lockdown
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is hoping England will ‘fully open’ from 19 July. The PM has promised to set out in the next few days a four-step road map out of lockdown.
‘In line with the national picture’
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “We are seeing a trend of rising infection rates in England and Kirklees and our numbers are in line with the national picture.
“Infection rates are high and, whilst they remain relatively low, hospital admissions have increased, particularly in the 40-59 age group.
“Thankfully, we’ve had no deaths related to the virus again in the last week, but reducing our infection rate and hospital admissions is crucial if we wish to keep it that way.
“I’m urging everyone aged 18 or over to take the vaccine.
“Some people can’t take the vaccine and many of those people have medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to Covid-19.
“By taking the vaccine you will reduce your chances of passing Covid-19 on to someone who could become severely ill.
“Just because you’re young and healthy, there’s also no guarantee Covid-19 won’t significantly impact your health.
“The best way to protect yourself, whatever your age, is to take the vaccine.
Ms Spencer-Henshall also reiterated the importance of taking a second dose of the vaccine.
She added: “For effective and longer-lasting protection from Covid-19, you do need your second dose. It better protects you and others who might be more vulnerable to Covid-19. You should get your second vaccination between eight and 12 weeks after your first dose.
This is to ensure maximum protection is achieved. If it’s been longer than 12 weeks since you had your first vaccination and you haven’t had your second yet, you should get it as soon as you can.”