'Stubbornly high' Covid rates in Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford now second highest in the UK

The Wakefield district now has the second highest rate of Covid-19 cases in the UK, it has been confirmed.

According to the latest data from Public Health England, the rate of cases of coronavirus in Wakefield and the Five Towns currently stands at 107.7 per 100,000.

These are the latest Covid and vaccination figures for every area of Wakefield

Only Clackmannanshire in Scotland is currently reporting a higher rate of cases, with a rate of 240.6 per 100,000.

A total of 375 people in the district have tested positive for the virus in the last seven days, bringing the total cases confirmed to date to 25,148.

And at least 758 people have died within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.

Though the rate of cases in Wakefield has fallen sharply in recent weeks, down from 139.8 per 100,000 on March 28, it remains far above the national average.

Speaking on Monday, Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: "Infection rates have only very slightly decreased this week but remain stubbornly high and that is why it is more important than ever that we do not become complacent.

"We must avoid rates getting higher again and risk undoing all the hard work we have all put in.

"There were also sadly six Covid-19 related deaths in local hospitals in the last week and our sympathies go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died.

"I urge everyone to keep going and continue to take immediate action to protect ourselves and others from the very real threat of Covid-19, even if you have had your vaccine, by following the regulations.

"The more cautious and mindful we are now, the sooner we'll be able to get back to normality.

"The less that people mix, the less chance the virus has of mutating and becoming resistant to the vaccine. This is so vitally important. By working together we can slow the spread and save lives."

More than 175,000 people in Wakefield have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to date, with almost 30,000 second doses also administered.

Earlier this week, Wakefield Council confirmed that two new mobile testing units had been launched in the district, as part of an effort to bring down infection rates.

Additionally, twice-weekly lateral flow tests, which can be carried out at home and give results in less than 30 minutes, will be available to every person in the district from Friday.