By KLTV Newsdesk –
The Omicron variant continues to spread across the country and the infection rate continues to rise in many local areas in Kirklees.
Over 50% of people who have had their original two doses of the vaccine have now had their booster jab to help protect them and others over the winter period.
Cases and Hospitalisations
Over the past week, Kirklees’ Covid-19 infection rate for all residents has increased by 9 per cent and currently sits at 267 per 100,000.
The rate of new infections in Kirklees is still below the national average and is the 148th highest in the country.
In the same period, hospital admissions have reduced with 11 people being admitted, a reduction from 26 last week.
Sadly, five more people died from Covid-19 related causes in local hospitals in the last seven days, the same as in the previous period.
Vaccinations
Vaccine uptake continues to show positive signs in Kirklees, with many residents now receiving their booster jab in order to protect themselves and those around them from serious illness as the Omicron variant continues to spread.
As of the time of writing, over 307,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with a further 280,000 of those having received their second dose.
Currently, over 156,000 people how now taken their third dose, which means that currently, over 50% of people who were fully vaccinated have opted to take their booster.
Booking a Booster
People in Kirklees can book their first, second or booster vaccination by visiting the NHS national booking system.
Residents can also find all the walk-in clinics taking place across Kirklees on the NHS site finder.
‘Not too late’
Speaking on the latest figures, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “There’s still a lot we don’t know about the Omicron variant, but what we do know is that the new variant is spreading across the country and getting the Covid-19 vaccine and booster is the best way of protecting yourself and others against serious illness.
“If you haven’t had your first or second dose yet, it’s definitely not too late to protect yourself.
“There are lots of other small steps we can all take to reduce the risk of infection this winter. Meeting outdoors is a good way to reduce transmission.
“If you’re meeting other people indoors, keeping windows and doors open as much as possible is another effective way to reduce the chance of the virus passing between people.
“Thank you all for playing your part.”