The new strain of Covid-19 now accounts for more than 60 per cent of new coronavirus cases in Kirklees, it has emerged.

In a message to residents in Cleckheaton, Birkenshaw and other parts of the borough, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, director of public health for Kirklees Council, said the figures were another reason to "remain cautious."

The email was sent on a day when Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the new variant of the virus may also be associated with a higher degree of mortality.

Covid-19 infections have now started to fall in Kirklees after several weeks of increases, but the borough is still recording over 1,000 new confirmed cases every week.

Ms Spencer-Henshall said: "This means that the risks of the virus to people in Kirklees are still significant."

She continued: "There were sadly 18 Covid-19 related deaths in Kirklees over the last seven days, which is an increase from last week.

"There are also currently 184 patients from Kirklees in local hospitals with Covid-19 which is higher than it was during the first peak in spring last year. Our health services are under a great deal of pressure.

"Over 60 per cent of all new confirmed Covid-19 cases were of the new variant in the last week. "We know the new variant spreads easier and we’ve seen evidence of this in other parts of the country. This is another reason for us to remain cautious.

"Continuing to follow the national lockdown guidance and doing the basics such as washing your hands, social distancing and wearing a face covering are the best way you can play your part."