Kirklees coronavirus infection rates continue to rise and are well above the national average

In the last seven days 100.5 per 100,000 people in Kirklees tested positive for COVID-19, compared to last week when it was 92.5 per 100,000 people.

The increase mirrors trends across Yorkshire and the rest of England over recent weeks.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, has urged everyone to continue to follow all the latest national and local guidance as we have entered a crucial point in the COVID-19 crisis. Maintaining social distancing is still one of the main key actions everyone can take to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council said: “Rates of infection are continuing to rise across the country. Our figures are not as high as number of other areas, but it doesn’t mean we are where we need to be.

“In Kirklees, we are well above the national average, which means we have to take this seriously and do everything we can to keep each other safe.

“Nationally, as well as locally, we are at a crucial point of the crisis, and with more people being admitted to hospital again across the country, it is everyone’s responsibility to follow all the latest national and local guidance so we can bring rates back down.

“The local restrictions in place in Kirklees mean you cannot meet or host people you do not live with in private homes or gardens, unless they are in your support bubble. A large number of other areas are now having these same restrictions introduced and it’s important we all follow them to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Remember, the best way to beat the virus is to wash your hands regularly, make sure you socially distance, avoid crowds, wear a face covering and get a test and isolate if you have symptoms.”

Local restrictions are still in place across the whole borough which means that, in addition to the national restrictions, in Kirklees you cannot:

Meet or host people you do not live with in private homes or gardens unless they are in your support bubble.

In addition to these restrictions, the Government advises that you should not:

Socialise with people you do not live with, unless they’re in your support bubble, in any public venue. This applies to inside and outside of the affected areas. Examples of public venues include pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions and parks.

Visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances.