By Tatiana Zaituni –
Kirklees’ Covid-19 infection rate has increased by 24 per cent over the last week in line with a trend being seen across the country.
While Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, Kirklees Council is still encouraging people to be kind and do what they can to keep each other safe, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Cases and Hospitalisations
Over the last week, 451 people per 100,000 in Kirklees tested positive for COVID-19, which is an increase of 24 per cent across the borough.
However, the infection rates are lower than the national average which has increased to 529 people per 100,000, an increase of 50 per cent.
There were 30 people admitted to local hospitals over the last week but thankfully there have been Zero COVID-19 related deaths.
Kirklees Council says they are continuing PCR surge testing and increased testing offers with the goal of identifying and limiting any potential cases of variants.
Vaccinations
In Kirklees, all people aged over 18 can book their vaccines, and there has been a positive level of vaccine uptake.
278,000 Kirklees residents have had their first dose, and 229,000 of those have received their second.
National figures
In the last 7 days, there have been 325,223 confirmed positive cases nationwide, a further increase from last week’s cases. In the same time period, there have been 84 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
In terms of national vaccines, so far, 46,433,845 people have had their first dose, with 36,587,904 people receiving their second dose.
Lockdown
As of July 19th, most legal restrictions to control COVID-19 have been lifted at step four.
Rules around social distancing and mask-wearing have all been eased, however many businesses are still asking that customers wear them.
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‘A very different stage’
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “We’re now in a very different stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. All restrictions have been lifted, but the virus has not gone and our infection rates – alongside the rest of the country – are high and are increasing each week.
“Hospital admissions and deaths related to the virus remain low, with the vaccine rollout having a really positive impact. We are seeing a slight rise in hospital admissions, however, particular within the younger population.
“Restrictions lifting means we now have a choice to make in how we keep ourselves and our families safe My ask is for everyone is to be kind to each other. A lot of people still remain vulnerable to serious illness from Covid-19
“You can continue to show them kindness by taking actions to not only protect yourself but our most vulnerable too.
“So, we’re also asking everyone to show kindness to others by giving people space, wearing a face-covering in crowded or shared spaces like offices or if asked, meet people outside if you can, continue to wash your hands regularly and let plenty of fresh air indoors.
“The very best thing you can do is take both doses of the vaccine. By taking the vaccine you are protecting yourself and will also reduce your chances of passing Covid-19 on to someone who could become severely ill.”
She explained: “Just because you’re young and healthy, there’s no guarantee Covid-19 won’t significantly impact your health and we have seen hospital admissions rise amongst younger age groups in the last week. The best way to protect yourself, whatever your age, is to take the vaccine.”
“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.
“Getting a twice-weekly lateral flow test is a really effective way we can all prevent the spread of the virus. This is really important even if you have been vaccinated.”
All data is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change as figures are updated.