Health chiefs in Kirklees have warned there is no room for complacency in the battle to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The latest figures at the end of last week revealed that although infection rates dropped slightly, the numbers in Kirklees were not falling as fast as in other areas.

There were 1,015 new positive cases in the district over the last seven days, down 7% on the week.

There were 98 Kirklees residents admitted to local hospitals over the last week, which had decreased from 106 last week but remains high.

There were 186 patients from Kirklees in local hospitals with Covid-19 which is the higher than the first peak in spring last year.

Sadly, there were 17 Covid-related deaths in the last week, though that dropped from 26 the previous week.

The latest data shows that in the last seven days 230 per 100,000 people in Kirklees tested positive, compared to the previous week when it was 248 per 100,000 people.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, strategic director for public health at Kirklees Council, said: “Infection rates have fallen this week but not as quickly as in other parts of the country. Our rates are still high and are moving much closer to the national average.

“The number of Kirklees residents being treated for the virus in local hospitals has fallen from last week but our vital NHS services remain under pressure.

“The country hit a positive milestone this week, with more than ten million vaccines now administered.

“In Kirklees, we saw the opening of the John Smith’s Stadium as a mass vaccination site, which is more great news.

“But we all have a part to play in protecting our families and communities while the vaccine programme continues to roll out.

“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 mass vaccination centre in the Chadwick Lawrence Stand at the John Smith’s Stadium

“If you’re a critical worker and unable to do your job from home, please make sure you’re getting tested once a week at one of our four Community Testing Centres if you don’t have symptoms.

“This could help us identify anyone who has the virus but is asymptomatic and is potentially passing it on to others without knowing.

“I know how difficult the lockdown restrictions are but please continue to do everything you’re doing to keep each other safe. Thank you once again for playing your part.”

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