By KLTV Newsdesk –
Infection rates in Kirklees continue their downward trend for a fourth consecutive week as hospitalisations and deaths also decrease.
Cases and Hospitalisations
In the last seven days, there were 3,081 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Kirklees. The current rate of infection is 698 per 100,000 people, which represents a 28% decrease over the previous period. This figure is now below the national average
The number of people admitted to local hospitals in the same time period was 44, down from 68 last week.
While the number of deaths has decreased slightly compared to last week, sadly, a further four people admitted to local hospitals have died as a result of the virus.
Vaccinations
As of the time of writing, 322,178 kirklees residents have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 300,257 have received their second dose.
Additionally, 220,417 residents have taken a third dose of the vaccine as a booster.
At a national level, 52,480,344 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, 48,693,091 have received their second, and 37,684,442 have taken their booster.
The booster vaccine offer is now available to everyone 16+ who can attend a walk-in vaccine clinic or book an appointment via the online booking service.
Residents can also book their vaccine by appointment or visit one of the various walk-in clinics across Kirklees.
A full list of walk-in clinics can be found on the NHS site finder, and residents can book their first, second or booster vaccination by visiting the NHS national booking system.
Restrictions
In a boost for potential summer holidaymakers, the Department of Health and Social Care recently announced that fully vaccinated travellers and under 18s will no longer need to take a Covid test upon arrival in the UK from abroad.
Additionally, for international travel, children aged 12 and over can now get a digital NHS Covid Pass, which helps with providing proof of vaccination.
Further information about travelling abroad can be found on the gov.uk website.
‘Saving Lives’
Speaking on the latest data, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “Even though we are seeing a decrease in infection rates covid-19 is still very much with us and still spreading through our communities.
“We do know that data reflects how effective the vaccines and boosters are at saving lives and without the vaccination, we would be looking at very different numbers of hospitalisations and deaths in Kirklees.”
“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 still important as well as remembering to consider our more vulnerable residents.”