Families are being urged to remain cautious and follow Covid-19 rules over Easter as infection rates in Kirklees rose slightly again over the last seven days.

Kirklees now has the lowest infection rate in West Yorkshire but it remains above the national average.

With 109 people per 100,000 in Kirklees testing positive over the last week, the borough’s rate has increased by just under 2% in the last seven days. Kirklees’ rate is also above the national average of 55 per 100,000.

There were 478 new confirmed positive cases in the last week in Kirklees – more than last week when there were 465.

More than 187,000 local people have now had at least their first Covid-19 vaccine dose. Anyone over 50 in Kirklees can book their vaccination now.

Nineteen Kirklees people were admitted to local hospitals with Covid-19 over the last week, which has dropped from 23 last week.

There were sadly two people who died with Covid-19 in local hospitals in the last week – which is no change from the previous week.

With the Easter break approaching, Kirklees Council’s director of public health is urging local people to play their part in bringing the borough’s infection rate back down so we can continue to follow the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Since Monday March 29 some Covid-19 restrictions have eased:

  • Outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households are allowed.
  • Outdoor sports facilities like tennis and basketball courts can reopen.
  • Organised adult and children’s sport, like grassroots football, can begin again.
  • Outdoor parent and child groups are permitted with up to 15 parents or guardians.
  • Weddings up to six people are allowed.

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.

Jabs are having a real impact

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, strategic director for public health at Kirklees Council, said: “The Easter break is a time when people will get together to see family and friends.

“It’s important to remember that it’s so much safer to gather outdoors and limit the number of people you see.

“The vaccination programme is making a real difference and I want to say thank you to everyone who has played their part and had theirs.

“Vaccines are keeping people out of hospital and saving lives. But we have to remember we still have a high rate of infection in Kirklees which means there are real risks for people’s health.     

“Even if you have had the vaccine it’s really important that you continue to follow the public health guidance. The vaccine protects you from serious illness but it doesn’t necessarily stop you passing on the infection to others who may be more vulnerable.

“If we can all follow the rules and do the basics, we will continue along the roadmap and get our freedoms back.”

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