The Covid-19 infection rate in Kirklees has risen by 16% over the last week. The number of deaths due to virus are the same as last week but hospital admissions have increased again.

Restrictions have been lifted, but infection rates remain high, so Kirklees Council is encouraging people to be kind and do all they can to keep each other safe, particularly those who are vulnerable.

With 348 people per 100,000 in Kirklees testing positive for Covid-19 over the last seven days, the borough’s infection rate has increased by 16% since last week. This is now above the national average, which is 282.2 people per 100,000.

There were four more deaths in local hospitals related to Covid-19 over the last seven days. Hospital admissions have decreased on last week, with 36 people admitted to local hospitals in the last week, down from 47 the previous week.

Hospital admissions are still high amongst the 20-39 age group and the council is urging young people to get the jab.

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Rachel Spencer-Henshall, strategic director for public health at Kirklees Council, said: “Even though restrictions have lifted and things feel like they are moving forward, the virus has still not gone away and our infection rates have risen over the past week.

“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.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall. Pic by: Mike Clark, Small Photos

“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 281,000 local people having had their first dose and 245,000 of those have received their second – thank you all for playing your part.”

There are a number of pop-up vaccination clinics available across Kirklees for anyone aged 18 or over, to make it easier for everyone to access the vaccine.