‘Fantastic news’ as Covid rates fall significantly

RESIDENTS RECEIVE FIRST DOSE

KIRKLEES’ Covid-19 infection rate has dropped by 37 per cent and hospitalisations and deaths are continuing to fall significantly.

And the good news continues, with the vast majority of people in the borough – 190,000 – having had at least their first Covid19 vaccine dose.

Kirklees Council revealed yesterday that with 70 per 100,000 people in Kirklees testing positive for Covid-19 over the past seven days, the borough’s rate has decreased by 37 per cent since last week.

Kirklees’ rate is, however, still above the national average of 37 per 100,000.

There were 308 new confirmed positive cases in the past week in Kirklees – fewer than last week when there were 478.

More than 190,000 people have now had at least their first Covid19 vaccine dose, with 43,000 having two doses. Sixteen Kirklees people were admitted to local hospitals with Covid-19 over the past week, which has dropped from 19 last week.

There were sadly two people who died with Covid-19 in local hospitals in the last week – which is no change from the previous week. The council’s Director of Public Health, Rachel SpencerHenshall, said: “It’s fantastic news to see all of our numbers in Kirklees heading in the right direction, and it’s thanks to everyone’s efforts we are now able to move to Step 2 of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. “With more than 190,000 local people having at least their first vaccine dose, our hospitalisation and deaths linked to Covid-19 have fallen significantly.

“Please enjoy the freedoms we are getting back but remember that the virus is still spreading in our communities. It’s crucial that we continue with these improvements as restrictions ease on

Hospitalisation and

deaths linked to Covid-19 have fallen

significantly

Monday, April 12, with people much more likely to come into contact with people outside their household or bubble.’’

“There’s a really important role we all have to play in making sure we keep our numbers down so we can get Kirklees through the national roadmap out of lockdown and back to normality.

“Taking the vaccine when it’s your turn is the best way we can save lives, keep pressure off the NHS and get our lives back to normality. It significantly protects you from Covid-19. The more people that take it, the bigger chance we have of beating Covid-19 for good.

“Another great way you can help reduce the spread of the virus in your community is by getting a rapid lateral flow test twice a week if you are not showing any symptoms. Asymptomatic testing helps us identify people who are infectious and could spread the infection to others unknowingly.’’

Ms Spencer-Henshall added: “Thank you to everyone in Kirklees for playing your part.

“We’re seeing great progress and if we all continue to take the vaccine when it’s our turn and remain cautious as restrictions ease, we’ll continue to follow the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.”