By Tatiana Zaituni –
Infection rates, hospital admissions and deaths related to COVID-19 in Kirklees have all increased this week.
The borough’s infection rate has increased by 4 per cent over the past week.
While this is in line with the national trend, the region has also seen an increase again this week in both hospital admissions and deaths related to the virus.
Cases and Hospitalisations
There were 1,506 confirmed cases of people COVID-19 in the last week.
341 people per 100,000 in Kirklees tested positive for COVID-19 over the past seven days, which is an increase of 4 per cent, and the 45th highest rate in the country.
Hospital admissions have increased from 41 to 43 since last week, and sadly five more people died from complications due to COVID-19 in local hospitals.
Currently, hospital admissions are the highest amongst the 20-29 age group.
Vaccinations
In Kirklees, 285,000 residents have had their first dose of the vaccine, and 257,000 of those have received their second.
Last week, it was announced that anyone in the 16-17 age group can now receive their first dose of the vaccine, alongside anyone over the age of 18.
Read More: West Yorkshire woman wins claim over lack of sign language at COVID-19 briefings
National Figures
There have been 239,237 confirmed positive cases nationwide in the last seven days, decreasing from the previous week.
Across the country, there have been 756 COVID-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test, an increase from the previous week.
Currently, the average rate of infection nationally is 344.5 people per 100,000.
47,915,768 people have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 42,379,353 people receiving their second dose.
‘No Guarantees’
Speaking on the latest data, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “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.
“Regular rapid lateral flow testing is so important to help stop the spread of the virus, even if you have been vaccinated.
“Rapid lateral flow testing identifies those who do not have Covid symptoms but may have the virus and be spreading it unknowingly.”
All data is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change as figures are updated.