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Coronavirus: Nearly 10,000 deaths in care homes Coronavirus: More than 11,000 deaths in care homes
(about 2 hours later)
Nearly 10,000 people have died from coronavirus in care homes in England and Wales, figures suggest. More than 11,600 people have died from coronavirus in care homes across the UK since the start of the pandemic, figures suggest.
But for the second week running the Office for National Statistics review of death certificates showed the number of new deaths being seen has fallen. But for the second week running the review of death certificates by statisticians showed the number of new deaths being seen has fallen.
In the week ending 8 May there were 1,666 deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes - down from just over 2,400 the week before. In the week to 8 May there were 1,940 care home deaths linked to coronavirus - down from 2,800 the week before.
Meanwhile, the overall number of deaths across society has fallen too. Overall, coronavirus deaths account for over a quarter of the virus fatalities.
There were 12,600 deaths during the week - nearly a third of which were linked to coronavirus. The impact on all deaths
This is down from a weekly peak of 22,000 at the height of the pandemic - although it is still above what would be expected at this time of the year. Meanwhile, the total number of deaths from all causes across society has fallen too, according to the Office for National Statistics and its counterparts in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Total deaths is seen as the best measure of the impact of the lockdown as it takes into account both deaths linked to coronavirus and other deaths that could be a result of the lockdown. These are seen as the best measure of the impact of the lockdown as it takes into account both deaths linked to coronavirus and other deaths that could be a result of the lockdown.
There were 14,400 deaths during the week - around a third of which were linked to coronavirus.
This is down from a weekly peak of nearly 25,000 at the height of the pandemic - although it is still above what would be expected at this time of the year.
The daily figures released by the government just looks at deaths among people with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus.The daily figures released by the government just looks at deaths among people with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus.
It means the total number of deaths seen this year is nearly 260,000 - 44,700 above what would be expected. It means the total number of deaths seen this year is around 17% above what would be expected.
Could the true toll in care home be even higher?Could the true toll in care home be even higher?
The government has been receiving heavy criticism for the impact of coronavirus in care homes.The government has been receiving heavy criticism for the impact of coronavirus in care homes.
Alongside the coronavirus deaths, there are significant numbers of unexplained fatalities.Alongside the coronavirus deaths, there are significant numbers of unexplained fatalities.
Once you factor in Scotland, you would normally expect to see around 2,800 deaths a week. Across Great Britain, you would normally expect to see around 2,800 deaths a week.
But at the peak of the pandemic in care homes in the second half of April there were around three times as many deaths.But at the peak of the pandemic in care homes in the second half of April there were around three times as many deaths.
Only around half the increase was attributed to coronavirus.Only around half the increase was attributed to coronavirus.
The other deaths could be related to the indirect costs of the pandemic, such as not getting care for other conditions like heart disease and strokes.The other deaths could be related to the indirect costs of the pandemic, such as not getting care for other conditions like heart disease and strokes.
Another factor could be that the true number of coronavirus deaths have been under-reported as the lack of testing available to care homes may have meant doctors were not able to identify the presence of the virus.Another factor could be that the true number of coronavirus deaths have been under-reported as the lack of testing available to care homes may have meant doctors were not able to identify the presence of the virus.
Has the government done enough to protect care homes?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has claimed ministers have done everything they can to protect care homes.
He said at the weekend: "Right from the start we've tried to throw a protective ring around our care homes…. We've made sure care homes have the resources they need."
But the sector has questioned this, criticising the lack of protective equipment and testing available - despite the expansion of testing it will still be another three weeks before all staff and residents will have been tested.
Jennifer Dixon, of the Health Foundation think tank, said action has come "too late".
"The approach to social care stands in contrast to the NHS which saw a much fuller and swifter response to the pandemic."
Mike Padgham, of the Independent Care Group, which represents care homes, said "serious questions" needed to be asked, calling for a public inquiry once the pandemic is over.
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