By Tatiana Zaituni –
Kirklees’ COVID-19 infection rate increased slightly by 3 per cent over the past week. Hospital admissions and deaths have also seen an increase in the borough.
Cases and Hospitalisations
469 people per 100,000 in Kirklees have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week, which is a 3 per cent increase over the previous period.
These numbers are now higher than the national average, which is 340.9 people per 100,000
Additionally, hospital admissions have increased, with 42 people admitted to local hospitals in the last week, an increase from 40 the previous week.
Sadly, a further seven people have died in local hospitals in relation to COVID-19 over the last seven days.
Admission to local hospitals is currently highest amongst the 20-39 age group.
Vaccinations
The latest figures show that over 292,000 Kirklees residents have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 270,000 of those having received their second.
A third dose of the vaccine is starting to be offered to over 50s as a ‘booster shot’ to help see the UK through the winter.
Additionally, the government recently announced plans to offer one vaccine dose to those aged 12-15.
Anyone aged 16 and over in Kirklees to book their vaccination now. This will significantly reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19.
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, including those vaccinating over 16s.
Alternatively, anyone over the age of 16 can use the national booking system to book a vaccine appointment.
National Figures
So far, 49,068,705 people have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 45,078,529 people receiving their second dose.
There have been 245,815 confirmed positive cases nationwide in the last seven days, increasing from the previous week.
Over the past seven days, there have been 755 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test, a fall from last week.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
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.
“Thanks to your fantastic response, we already have positive levels of vaccine uptake in Kirklees with 292,000 local people having had their first dose and 270,000 of those have received their second – thank you all for playing your part.”