By KLTV Newsdesk –
Infection rates in Kirklees have fallen for a third week in a row over the past week as 16 and 17-year-olds are cleared to receive the booster jab.
Cases and Hospitalisations
In the last seven days, there were 4,216 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Kirklees. The current rate of infection is 955.4 per 100,000 people, which represents a 7% decrease over the previous period.
The number of people admitted to local hospitals in the same time period was 68, down significantly from 105 last week.
Sadly, the number of deaths rose slightly compared to last week, with seven people admitted to local hospitals dying as a result of the virus.
Vaccinations
As of the time of writing, 321,978 kirklees residents have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 299,621 have received their second dose.
Additionally, 219,912 residents have taken a third dose of the vaccine as a booster.
At a national level, 52,427,710 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, 48,576,227 have received their second, and 37,529,824 have taken their booster.
The booster vaccine offer is now available to 16 and 17-year-olds who can attend a walk-in vaccine clinic or book an appointment via the online booking service.
Residents can 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 January, several restrictions came into effect in England in order to help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
This included encouragement to work from home and requirements of face coverings in schools and public places.
As of the time of writing, the majority of those restrictions have now been lifted.
People are now no longer be required to wear a face covering, including in communal areas of schools, however, the government suggests people continue to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces where they may come into contact with people they do not normally meet.
Additionally, there is no longer any requirement to show an NHS COVID Pass at venues and events by law.
‘Saving Lives’
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.
“Even though we have seen a change in restrictions, it is still important to get your booster if you haven’t had one yet.
“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.”