Kirklees coronavirus infection rate increasing at 'much faster rate, than in recent months

In the last seven days 192.4 per 100,000 people in Kirklees tested positive for COVID-19, compared to last week when it was 118.8 per 100,000 people.

Although Kirklees is no longer currently within the 30 local authorities with the highest rates in the country, the latest data shows there were 844 positive COVID-19 cases in the borough over the last seven days with at least one in every ward.

This is the highest number since mass testing began.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council, has reminded everyone of the continued importance of maintaining social distancing which is still one of the key actions everyone can take to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“COVID-19 is continuing to spread across most parts of the country at a much fast rate than we’ve seen in recent months and that’s definitely the case for us in Kirklees," she said.

“Regardless of where you live, we all have to take this seriously and do everything we can to keep each other safe because the latest data shows that over the last seven days we have seen positive cases confirmed in every ward.

“Remember, 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.

“In addition to the local and national restrictions, I cannot stress enough how important social distancing is wherever you are and if this isn’t possible please wear a face covering.”

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.