Infection rates need to come down faster, says Kirklees Council

COVID-19 infection rates have dropped slightly over the last week but Kirklees’ numbers are not falling as quickly as many other parts of the country, says Kirklees Council.
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There were 1,015 new positive COVID-19 cases in the borough over the last seven days which is a small drop of seven per cent on last week. You can view all the data on the online dashboard.

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

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

Rachel Spencer-HenshallRachel Spencer-Henshall
Rachel Spencer-Henshall

There were sadly 17 COVID-19 related deaths in the last week – down from 26 last week.

The latest data shows that in the last seven days 230 per 100,000 people in Kirklees tested positive for COVID-19, compared to the previous week when it was 248 per 100,000 people.

The Government announced on Monday 4 January that all areas in England are now in a national lockdown, and this remains the case. Visit Kirklees Council’s website for more information about the restrictions in place.

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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: “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.

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“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.

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“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.