By Tatiana Zaituni –
Kirklees’ COVID-19 infection rate has dropped by 22 per cent over the past week in line with national trends.
However, the region has also seen an increase in hospital admissions and deaths due to the virus.
While the majority of restrictions have been lifted, people in Kirklees are being encouraged to be kind and do all they can to keep one another safe, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Cases and Hospitalisations
In the last week, Kirklees’ infection rate was 351 people per 100,000, a decrease of 22 per cent across the borough.
There were 36 people admitted to local hospitals over the last week, and there have been two COVID-19 related deaths in local hospitals.
Kirklees Council is continuing PCR surge testing and increased testing offers to identify and limit any potential cases of variants.
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Vaccinations
Currently, all people over 18 can book their first vaccine if they haven’t already.
As of this week, 279,000 Kirklees residents have had their first dose of the vaccine, and 234,000 of those have received their second.
National Figures
Nationally, the infection rate was 375 people per 100,000.
There have been 204,669 confirmed positive cases nationwide in the last seven days, increasing from the previous week’s cases.
In the last 7 days, there have been 85 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
New Rapid Community Testing Centre
A new covid-19 rapid testing centre for those without symptoms is opening at Upperhead Row, next to the Huddersfield Bus Station.
From the 2 August, this new testing centre is for residents and visitors who are asymptomatic, get regular rapid lateral flow tests.
The new centre will replace the old location at the Huddersfield Hudawi Centre.
There is no need to book, and the tests will be taken and processed on site.
All tests are self-administered and staff will be available to answer any questions and guide people through the process.
Visitors will receive their results within 40 minutes of taking the test via text message or email.
‘Simple but effective choices’
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “Now that restrictions have been lifted, we can all play our part to curb covid rates and look out for our friends, family, and neighbours.
“This isn’t about restrictions anymore; it’s about us all making simple but effective choices that save lives.
“By choosing to be kind, to give others space, to wear a face covering, and choosing to get tested, we are all exercising our freedoms to help others and protect our community.
“I’m proud of all that we’ve done as a community throughout the pandemic, and I’m happy that we can continue to support residents to get tested for covid and help us stop the spread.”