“We need to see infection rates drop” - Kirklees now above national average for Covid-19 infection rates

With 173 per 100,000 people in Kirklees testing positive for COVID-19 over the last seven days, the borough’s rates have now moved above the national average of 137 per 100,000. Last week Kirklees’ infection rate was 201 per 100,000 people.

There were 764 new confirmed positive cases in the last week in Kirklees - this is lower than last week when it was 888 - but shows infection rates are dropping at a slower pace than most parts of England.

More than 90 per cent of these cases were of the Kent variant, which has shown to be spread more easily.

There were 84 Kirklees people admitted to local hospitals with COVID-19 over the last week, which has dropped from 102 last week.

There are currently 150 patients from Kirklees in local hospitals with COVID-19 which is lower than week, when it was 188, but remains high.

There were sadly 23 COVID-19 related deaths in the last week – which has increased from 22 the previous week.

The NHS Coronavirus vaccination programme is taking place in Kirklees for people who are most at risk. Delivering vaccinations to our population will take time, and you will be contacted when it’s your turn.

At the moment, it is being given to:

people aged 65 and over

people who are clinically extremely vulnerable

people who live or work in care homes

frontline health and social care workers

If you are any of the above and haven’t been contacted yet, you can now book an appointment online or Freephone 119 between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.

England remains in a national lockdown. Visit Kirklees Council’s website for more information about the restrictions in place.

The council is encouraging all critical workers without symptoms to get tested weekly at one of four centres across Kirklees. You can view the Government’s website for a list of critical workers.

Visit Kirklees Council’s website for more information, and to find your local community testing centre.

Anyone in Kirklees who has COVID-19 symptoms still needs to arrange a test by calling 119 or going to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council said: “We can see across the country the impact lockdown restrictions are having, with infection rates falling. Unfortunately, our rates are not dropping as quickly as they need to. It means we’ve now moved above the national average for the first time since December.

“We do have a large number of critical workers in Kirklees, due to the types of industries we have operating in the borough, and we’re working hard with local businesses and organisations to prevent outbreaks.

“The Kent variant now accounts for the majority of our new cases. The fact this variant is more easily spread, further supports the need for everyone to continue to be vigilant and to do everything possible to stay safe.

“We need to see infection rates drop so we can save lives and ease pressure on health services. By following all the guidance in place, you can help to do this. The best thing you can do to protect your family and community is to stay at home. Only leave your home for essential reasons and for exercise and don’t mix with other households.

“Please remember that the basics – such as hand-washing, social-distancing, wearing a face covering and getting tested if you have symptoms – are still a key way we can reduce infections.

“The vaccine rollout is continuing to be a success and the uptake is fantastic. You will be contacted when it’s your turn to receive the vaccine, but please be patient as the most at risk are prioritised. The vaccine gives us hope as we move forward, but in the meantime please continue to do all you can to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Thank you once again for playing your part during these difficult times.”

If you’re vulnerable and need support, please visit Kirklees Council’s website or call 0800 4561114.