By Tatiana Zaituni –
Kirklees’ Covid-19 infection rate has risen by 16 per cent over the last week.
The number of deaths due to the virus is the same as last week, however, several dozen people have been admitted to local hospitals
Cases and Hospitalisations
Kirklees’ infection rate has increased by 16 per cent over the last seven days, with 348 people per 100,000 in Kirklees testing positive for Covid-19.
This is currently above the national average, which is 282.2 people per 100,000.
Sadly, there were four more deaths in local hospitals related to Covid-19 over the last seven days.
Hospital admissions have decreased on last week, with 36 people admitted to local hospitals in the last week, down from 47 the previous week.
Currently, those in the 20-39 age group represent the largest number of hospital admissions.
Anyone aged 18 and over in Kirklees is being urged to book their vaccination now and to get both doses, in order to significantly reduce their chance of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
Vaccinations
281,000 Kirklees residents have now had their first dose of a vaccine, and 245,000 of those have received their second.
Vaccine uptake does seem to have significantly slowed over the last couple of months, with only about 1000 people getting their first dose each week.
National Figures
There have been 199,206 confirmed positive cases nationwide in the last seven days, decreasing from the previous week’s cases.
However, over the past seven days, there have been 615 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test, a large increase from the previous week.
‘Playing your Part’
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “Even though restrictions have lifted and things feel like they are moving forward, the virus has still not gone away and our infection rates have risen over the past week.
“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.”
Ms Spencer-Henshall noted that it’s still important for people to take rapid lateral flow tests in order to help stop the spread of the virus, even if people have been fully vaccinated.
She added: “Rapid lateral flow testing identifies those who do not have Covid symptoms but may have the virus and be spreading it unknowingly.
“Thank you all for playing your part.”