BY KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees Council’s Director of Public Health is reminding residents about the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible as Omicron infections rates continue to rise in the borough.
Cases and Hospitalisations
As of the time of writing, the current rate of infection in Kirklees is 2,083 per 100,000 people, a rise of 32% over the previous period.
In the last week, there were 9,193 confirmed cases of Covid-19. The Omicron variant accounts for nearly all the cases in Kirklees.
Additionally, 85 residents were admitted to local hospitals in the last seven days, compared to 79 last week.
Sadly, there were seven deaths related to the virus in the last week, up from six in the previous period.
Vaccinations
At the time of writing, over 320,000 residents in Kirklees have received their first dose of the vaccine, 295,000 have received their second, and 215,000 have received their booster.
Both bookings and walk-ins are available for residents to receive their vaccines.
A list of all the walk-in clinics taking place across Kirklees can be found using the NHS site finder.
Residents can book their first, second or booster vaccination by visiting the NHS national booking system.
What to do if you have symptoms
People are advised to get a PCR test and isolate immediately if they believe they are showing symptoms of Covid-19.
The easiest way to get a PCR test at the nearest available testing centre is to book online.
From Monday 17 January, updated guidance says that if you have COVID-19 you can stop self-isolating on day six if you provide a negative lateral flow test result on days five and six.
‘Saving Lives’
Director of Public Health for Kirklees Council, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, said: “Omicron is continuing to spread through our community. However, our data continues to reflect how effective the vaccines and boosters are at saving lives.
“Without high levels of vaccination, we would be looking at very different numbers of hospitalisations and deaths in Kirklees.
“It’s not too late to book your booster if you haven’t had one yet. And it’s not too late to book your first or second vaccine either.”
‘Immense Pressure’
Ms Spencer-Henshall also highlighted the need to protect health services from becoming overwhelmed as infections rise.
She said: “Unfortunately, our health services continue to be under immense pressure. Not only are they facing the kind of challenges you would expect in winter, but they are also caring for people with Omicron, at the same time as dealing with staff shortages caused by the variant.
“The best thing you can do to support our health service is to get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines are highly effective at protecting us from serious illness and needing hospital treatment. At a time when so many NHS staff are isolating due to Covid-19, you can play your part in protecting the NHS by booking your jab today.
“Getting tested regularly, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces and ventilating when mixing indoors are as important as ever in slowing the spread of this variant.”