Infection rates have increased, hospital admissions and death rates have reduced in Kirklees
Kirklees’ Covid-19 infection rate has increased by 56 per cent over the last week. The number of deaths due to the virus have seen a reduction and hospital admissions have also decreased this week.
Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, but infection rates remain high. So we’re encouraging people to be kind and do all they can to keep each other safe, particularly those who are vulnerable.
What does the data tell us?
With 444 people per 100,000 in Kirklees testing positive for Covid-19 over the last seven days, the borough’s infection rate has increased by 56 per cent since last week. This is below the national average, which is 354.2 people per 100,000.
There were five more deaths in local hospitals related to Covid-19 over the last seven days. Hospital admissions have reduced, with 39 people admitted to local hospitals in the last week, a decrease from 40 the previous week.
Hospital admissions are still high amongst the 20-39 age group. We’re urging anyone aged 16 and over in Kirklees to book their vaccination now. This will significantly reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19.
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’re 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.
Thanks to your fantastic response, we already have positive levels of vaccine uptake in Kirklees with 290,000 local people having had their first dose and 268,000 of those have received their second – thank you all for playing your part.”
Are walk-in vaccination clinics still available?
There are a number of walk-in vaccination clinics available across Kirklees and you can use the new NHS site finder to find your nearest walk-in clinic, including those vaccinating over 16s.
Alternatively, anyone over the age of 16 can use the national booking system to book a vaccine appointment.
Read about how you can get a rapid lateral flow test twice a week if you don’t have symptoms.
What do you do if you have symptoms?
If you do have symptoms get a PCR test and isolate immediately. The easiest way to get a PCR test at your nearest available testing centre is to book online. Find out more about PCR testing, how to book and what support is available for those who need to isolate.
We’re urging everyone aged 16 and over in Kirklees to get their vaccination now.