More than 360,000 people in Leeds receive first Covid vaccination amid increase in young people testing positive

In a newsletter to residents, Leeds Council said there is "a lot to begin to enjoy again and look forward to" in the city.

However, the council also urged caution amid a "growing number of younger people testing positive for COVID-19".

> Garforth fire: Live updates as seven fire engines called to big Leeds blaze

The COVID-19 infection rate for Leeds is now below the Yorkshire average - down to 56.9 per 100,000, with the rate for over 60’s at 22.4 per 100,000.

The positivity rate this week has also dropped to 2.9%, the council said.

Despite the dropping rate, the council said "it is still really important that everyone, even if they have had a vaccine, follow the hands, face, space guidance and only meet people outside within the rule of six or two households".

> Leeds United 'not only a football club' - Holbeck Together charity praises good deeds

Nearly 40 million vaccine doses have been given across the UK, with those aged 45 to 49 now able to book appointments.

The council added: "Don’t forget, there are four ways you might be contacted by the NHS when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.

"Using a local GP service: GP services are working together in your area to vaccinate as many people as possible. You may be contacted by a different surgery to the one you usually go to.

"Local hospital services: You might be contacted to have the vaccination as an inpatient or outpatient.

"At a vaccination centre or pharmacy: If you live within 30 to 45 minutes of a vaccination centre, and haven’t already been vaccinated, you may have received a letter asking you to book an appointment online at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. Or if you can’t access the NHS website you can call 119 free of charge.

"NHS text alerts for COVID-19 vaccine: the national booking service is also sending invitations and reminders to some people by text. These will be sent using the Government’s secure Notify service and will show as being sent from ‘NHSvaccine’ with a link to the NHS.uk website."

> The Savvy Baker to host pop-up brownie stall at The Beulah Bistro in Farnley

As of April 15 2021, more than 361,000 people in Leeds have received their first vaccination, the council said.

Of these, more than 107,000 people have also now received their second dose.