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Useful Information On Rates Of Positive COVID-19 Tests In Kirklees

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After a steady overall decline, the rate of infection in Kirklees has gone up over the past week and we cannot ignore this.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council said:

“After a steady overall decline, the rate of infection in Kirklees has gone up over the past week and we cannot ignore this.

“This is a powerful warning that now is not the time to become complacent and our fight against COVID-19 is not over. Social distancing, hand washing and protecting the most vulnerable in our community are more important now than ever, particularly with the recent easing of lockdown measures.

“In the past few weeks, we’ve acted quickly and decisively to contain outbreaks in local workplaces. This kind of action always leads to more tests and positive cases in the short term which will contribute to our increase.

“We will be analysing the data further over the next few days to learn more and if we need to adjust our action, we will do so.

“We are far from the levels of infection seen in Leicester but we have to take this increase seriously and we all have an equal role to play in getting the rates back down.”

Below is some useful information on the equal role we all have to play in getting the rates back down.

What does it mean for Kirklees?

During the pandemic, 464.3 people per 100,000 residents have tested positive for the virus.

The data also tells us that 29.8 people per 100,000 residents tested positive in Kirklees in the past week. This has increased from 27.5 people per 100,000 residents the previous week.

The current national rate is 6.4. The current West Yorkshire average rate is 18.6.

Leicester’s rates remain the highest in the country at 115.99 per 100,000 people.

A relatively small number of cases can make a large difference to rates and this needs to be considered when looking at weekly changes and comparisons with other areas.

Why are infections higher in Kirklees this week compared to last week?

In Kirklees, we have recently acted to contain outbreaks in workplaces which always leads to more tests and a high chance of more positive tests. This could affect the weekly figures.

As lockdown has eased, it could also mean that people have been in more contact with each other which has increased infections.

What we do know for sure us that if we all follow the guidance on social distancing hand washing and staying safe, numbers will come down.

Why are the numbers higher in Kirklees than elsewhere?

It’s very difficult to say for certain what the reason for the increase is.

Nobody yet knows exactly why COVID-19 is more prevalent in some places than others.

Our actions to tackle the spread of the virus

It’s up to everyone to follow the rules on social distancing, handwashing and isolating. They are the best way to keep yourself, your family and your community safe. And they are as important now as they have been throughout this crisis.

The council will continue to act quickly on outbreaks so that infections do not spread from workplaces into the community. We will reinforce key public health advice to residents across Kirklees so that they know how they can play their part. We will make sure we are cautious about how and when we reopen services that people need to visit in person. And we will be supporting businesses to operate safely for their staff and customers.

Does this mean there’s going to be a local lockdown?

We still remain some way behind the rates in Leicester and this increase does not currently mean we will go in to a local lockdown, but we are not where we would like to be.

Leicester’s rates remain the highest in the country at 115.99 per 100,000 people, whilst ours are 29.8.

However, there is no room for complacency. Everyone needs to keep following the guidance on staying safe to keep numbers as low as possible.

Does it tell us exactly how many people have had COVID-19 in Kirklees?

No. Some people who get the virus don’t have any symptoms so we wouldn’t know about them. Others won’t have taken a test for other reasons and wouldn’t be counted here. The figures published today can give us a rough, but useful, idea of the number of cases locally.

Why can’t I see where every case is in Kirklees?

We don’t yet have reliable data to break down the numbers any further.

What should I do?

Keep following the advice on hand washing, social distancing and all the other ways you can keep safe. For more help and advice visit Kirklees Council’s website.

Welcome Back Year 2!

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It was nice to welcome back Year 2 students this week. They have all worked really hard in their bubbles SUPER WORK!

 

Here is what a few students had to say about returning to school:

 

“I had a really fun day.”

“My face hurts from smiling.”

“It was an extraordinary day being back in school.”

“I had an exciting day.”

“It was a happy day because I got to see my friends and play with them.”

Student NHS Fundraising COMPLETE

Everyone here at Birkby Infants are very proud to announce that Ocean has completed her challenge for NHS charities together. Ocean has been able to raise £1004 in donations; her target was £1000. She managed to complete her challenge in 54 days and  5 press ups each day.

 

Birkby Infants are proud to inform you that one of our Year 2 pupils, Ocean, is fundraising for the NHS. 

Ocean has set herself a target of raising money for the NHS.

Ocean is doing 5 press-ups every day to raise money. Ocean chose press-ups as it is something she can’t currently do and she wanted to challenge herself to learn something new

Ocean was inspired by captain Tom Moore’s fundraising and he is her hero.

Ocean wanted her school to show her support and help her raise awareness of the importance of our NHS heroes.

You can show your support by following Ocean on her YouTube channel teddy’s vlogz.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQsaO7YqiTK5lsm9lwZzXrA

If you would like to make a donation, then these can be made via Facebook (link below.) Unfortunately, Ocean is unable to take any cash donations at this time.

https://www.facebook.com/donate/2434721746821248/?fundraiser_source=external_url

Many thanks for showing your support. 

Ocean

Covid 19- Kirklees Council Statement

Kirklees Council statement on pupils potentially returning to school:

Kirklees Council is working together with local schools to plan for them to reopen safely, but they will only do so when it is right for children and their families, teachers and school staff.

On Friday, the council will host an online conference for schools across Kirklees to support them through the changes they need to make before opening safely for more pupils. 

Leader of the Council, Cllr Shabir Pandor, said: “The truth is that no one has yet decided that schools will reopen on 1 June. It’s a government ambition that depends on several factors.  We need to know a lot more before we make a judgment that’s right for families, teachers and schools in Kirklees. 

“Anyone who cares about the welfare of our children would be planning for their safe return to school. That’s exactly what we’re doing here in Kirklees. 
“We are standing shoulder to shoulder with schools and colleges across Kirklees, working with trade unions and supporting families. We will do what’s in the best interests of all our children and families and make sure they have the best possible environment to return to school.

“It could mean some children return to school on 1 June, or it might be later. Either way, we will be guided by the evidence, not the politics.”
On Friday, Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, Cllr Carole Pattison, will host an online meeting with schools to hear their views and concerns about the public health challenges tied to the government’s guidance on reopening.

Cllr Pattison said: “We are talking to schools all the time to support them through the transition. We will continue to do that until they reopen, and beyond.  

“In many ways, the government’s timetable and guidance has raised more questions than answers. We are helping schools to navigate the confusion.
“We are listening to their concerns and helping them overcome the barriers. The government is asking a lot of schools, but they have been doing a fantastic job. We will continue to support schools, listen to the unions and do the best for our children in these difficult circumstances.

“We will be guided by the evidence and by the individual circumstances of schools. Parents and schools will then be free to make their own choice.” 

Lockdown Update 08/05/2020

Dear All,

On Sunday evening the Government will make a statement about changes to the ‘present lockdown’ including the re-opening of schools. Please be aware that all Senior Managers, LA officers and Union representatives are working hard to ensure that however, whenever it happens there will be appropriate Infection Control Measures to keep ALL members of the school community safe. However, we will obviously all need some time following the announcement to organise this. Please bear with us until such time as we can give you definite information about the way forward. We will be in touch as soon as possible.

Have a good bank holiday.

Best Wishes

Diana Wilson