RISING Covid infection rates due to the Delta variant is seeing health bosses stress the importance of getting vaccinated and one MP has said jabs are the "route out of the pandemic".

With national infection rates rising by 50 per cent in the last week and similar increases in infections and hospitalisations in Bradford and surrounding areas, health bosses have issued stark warnings.

As of 8am on Friday, there were 15 patients with Covid-19 at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a rise from ten last week (June 10).

In hospitals across the West Yorkshire and Harrogate area, there were 61 patients who tested positive for Covid-19 receiving care, a rise from 52 last week. Six remain in intensive care.

Over in Leeds, Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council, tweeted: "Leeds Covid rates up to 148.6 per 100k (from 138.7). With cases doubling in a week and rising fast in unvaccinated ages, please follow rule of 6 indoors, keep your distance and take the vaccine when called."

Sarah Muckle, Bradford Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We’re pleased younger people are finally being offered the opportunity to be vaccinated but we need to see a bigger supply of vaccines suitable to meet the demand from this younger age group.”

“I would encourage everyone eligible to get booked in for their Covid vaccination as soon as possible. Anyone over the age of 18 can now book an appointment on the NHS website.

“It is also important people book and go in for their second dose to make sure they are protected from the virus.

“The number of infections of the Delta variant are still spreading fast across the country and getting the vaccine is the best way to protect you, your loved ones and the local community.

“It is also important, especially in this warm weather, that we are all responsible when we meet others and continue to follow hands, face, space, fresh air - particularly for those who have finished their exams for the summer.”

Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council's Director of Public Health, tweeted: "The more infectious variant in our younger unvaccinated adults is even more reason to follow the rules and take the vaccine. Great news it’s available to all 18+ by end of this week."

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore welcomed the news that all UK adults can book their first dose.

He said: “Vaccines are our route out of the pandemic - vaccinated people are less likely to get Covid-19 symptoms, be admitted to hospital or die from the disease and there is growing evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus on to others.

“We are now approaching the final stretch in our race to vaccinate people as quickly as possible – so when you get the call, get the jab, so that we can put this pandemic behind us for good.”