MORE than half of all Barnsley residents have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccination.

Figures released by Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) show that 135,078 residents have received the first dose of the vaccine, and 62,440 have received their second dose.

This means a quarter of the Barnsley population are fully vaccinated.

Deaths from the virus have also showed a rapid decline – with the rate falling from nine people on February 14 to 1 on April 23.

Director for public health in Barnsley, Julia Burrows said: “It is a steadier picture than we have seen in some time, which is great news and my thanks go to you all for doing all you can to reduce transmission.

"The key to continuing this encouraging picture is the progression of the vaccination programme, continuing with a cautious approach to recovery (alongside the national roadmap) and working together to support people facing health, social, economic, and other challenges, as outlined in my annual report.”