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Dear resident,
I’m contacting you ahead of the latest set of Covid-19 restriction changes coming in to play from tomorrow (29 March) and to give you an update on Kirklees’ progress.
Last Tuesday (23 March) we marked a year since the first national Covid-19 lockdown. I am sure many of you joined me in remembering those we have sadly lost and reflecting on the sacrifices we have all made.
We can now begin to look forward with more hope. In line with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, from tomorrow (29 March) the following changes to restrictions come into effect:
- Outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed.
- Outdoor sports facilities like tennis and basketball courts will reopen.
- Organised adult and children's sport, like grassroots football, will begin again.
- Outdoor parent and child groups will be permitted with up to 15 parents/guardians.
- Weddings up to six people will be permitted in any circumstances.
The key with this latest change to restrictions is that it's safer outdoors. Enjoy and appreciate the outdoors, it is a much less risky way to meet with others, whilst maintaining social distancing.
Visit Kirklees Council’s website for more information on the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown
Infection rate is rising
However, Kirklees’ Covid-19 infection rate has started to rise again and is still above the national average. You can view all the data on our online dashboard.
The Government has been clear that for restrictions to continue to ease, we must ensure infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations.
We have to bring our Covid-19 infection rate back down together and keep following the guidance so we can get Kirklees through the roadmap out of lockdown.
All you need to do to play your part is stay at home as much as possible and work from home if you can until restrictions ease further.
If you are leaving your home for any reason in line with the new restrictions, please always remember the basics: hands, face, space. Also, if you are indoors remember to let plenty of fresh air into your home - this can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Covid-19 data for the last week
 Getting tested
Covid-19 testing can break the chain of transmission of the virus in your household, support bubble and community.
We urge anyone without symptoms who is a critical worker and has to leave home to work, to get tested every week if they don’t have symptoms.
Asymptomatic twice-weekly testing is also now available to households and bubbles of school pupils and staff who live or work in Kirklees.
Anyone in Kirklees who has COVID-19 symptoms still needs to arrange a test by calling 119 or going to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
Vaccine success
More than 176,000 Kirklees residents have already had at least their first dose of the vaccine and we’re starting to see results, with the number of hospitalisations and deaths related to the virus now at their lowest level in many months.
Thank you to everyone who has had their vaccine and to the amazing health workers and volunteers for making this possible.
Please get vaccinated when it’s your turn because it’s safe, quick, saves lives and is our best route out of all restrictions.
If you're over 50 and haven't been contacted yet, you don't have to wait - you can book your vaccine now
Thank you
The roadmap gives us a route out of lockdown, but we’re not there yet. It’s up to all of us to play our part and get Kirklees through it together.
Thank you for playing your part.
 Rachel Spencer-Henshall
Director of Public Health, Kirklees Council
Kirklees Council has special permission from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to email you without consent where this is in the public interest. In this case it is to help protect the public from COVID-19.
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