Rate of infection down by 29% across Kirklees
FIGURES TAKEN OVER LAST 7 DAYS
RATES of Covid-19 infection have been slashed by 29 per cent across Kirklees.
The news will come as a great relief to health and council leaders given the lockdown measures that were announced in the area by the government on Thursday night.
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, strategic director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, said: “Thanks to the efforts of everyone in Kirklees, the local data shows that our rates of Covid-19 infection have dropped by 29 per cent over the last seven days.
“However, our rates still remain above the national average and we need to continue to bring them down further.
“If we become complacent, a second wave can easily happen.
“We all have a part to play in doing this and the easiest and most effective way is to continue to social distance, wash hands regularly and get tested if you have symptoms.”
Other measures include banning people from holding events that could attract a crowd of more than 30 people.
The Government announced new restrictions for areas in the north of England, including Kirklees, on July 30.
It means people cannot visit other households in their home or garden unless they are in a support bubble.
Ms Spencer-Henshall says she understands that this will have come as a huge blow to many people but that it was vital everyone sticks to the new rules.
She said: “I can completely understand the disappointment this will cause, particularly with our rates decreasing again this week, and we are speaking with the government to understand more about this decision and how we can get these freedoms back as quickly as possible.
“In the meantime, please adhere to the restrictions, so we can continue to bring our rates down and save lives.”
The government releases new data every week which tells local authorities and health trusts what the rates of positive coronavirus tests are for each area, including Kirklees.
During the pandemic, 544.1 people per 100,000 residents have tested positive for the virus.
The data also reveals that 19.8 people per 100,000 residents tested positive in Kirklees in the past week.
This is lower than the rate of 28.0 last week, which was similar to 27.8 the previous week.
The current national rate is 8.0. The current West Yorkshire average rate is 22.2.