The Covid-19 infection rate in Kirklees has fallen by 6% over the last week. The number of deaths due to the virus is also down from the previous week but hospital admissions have increased again.

With 328 people per 100,000 in Kirklees testing positive for Covid-19 over the last seven days, the borough’s infection rate has decreased slightly but is still above the national average, which is 299.7 people per 100,000.

There were three more deaths in local hospitals related to Covid-19 over the last seven days. Hospital admissions have increased on last week with 39 people admitted to local hospitals in the last week, an increase from 37 the previous week.

Hospital admissions are still high amongst the 20-39 age group and anyone aged 16 or over is urged to get a jab which will significantly reduce the chances of serious illness.

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 are 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 283,000 local people having had their first dose and 252,000 of those have received their second – thank you all for playing your part.”

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.