Health chief warning as restrictions eased
CALDERDALE’S DIRECTOR of Public Health has reiterated the need to stick to measures guarding against COVID-19 in a week where some restrictions have been eased and local cases have crept over the 100 per 100,000 people mark again.
NHS Digital’s summary data seven-day interval figures for March 21 to 27 show the borough has a positive case rate of 106.4 per 100,000 with 225 new cases, up 20 per cent on the previous period.
The seven days from March 14 to 20 showed Calderdale had a case rate of 86.5 per 100,000 people, dropping slightly after being over 100 over the previous seven days.
Triages for March 21 to 27 were also up, with 108 new triages giving a rate of 51 per 100,000 people, an increase of 29 per cent on the previous period.
With relaxation of some lockdown measures this week, the borough’s Director of Public Health Debs Harkins has urged people to take care.
The “stay at home”’ rule has been lifted, but people should keep working from home if they can, and continue to minimise travel where possible.
People can now meet up in limited numbers outdoors but must not mix with other households indoors.
People can gather with either two households or up to a maximum of six people outside, including in private gardens.
Ms Harkins said: “It’s really positive that we can now reunite with our loved ones in the great Calderdale outdoors and enjoy the better weather together after many months of missing each other.
“The easing of some restrictions brings us great hope for brighter days ahead, but we still all have a part to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19, which is still in our local communities at a rate that remains high.
“All of the local cases are now the Kent new variant, which spreads more easily, and because of this, many lockdown restrictions remain in place and it’s important that we keep following the rules.
“Although more and more people are being vaccinated, it’s still vital to follow the public health advice. This is especially important to protect those who haven’t yet had their vaccine.”
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