Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the number of care home deaths in the UK had passed 10,000 by May 8, with the overall death toll passing 44,000
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also showed that care home deaths fell by a third in the week up to 8 May as the impact of COVID-19 on residents continued to be scrutinised.
The latest ONS figures reported 39,071 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus”, including suspected cases, took place in England and Wales up to 8 May.
Scotland has seen 3,213 deaths involving COVID-19 – the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus – up to 10 May, according to National Records of Scotland figures released last week.
Northern Ireland also reported last week that it suffered 599 deaths related to COVID-19 up to 13 May, data from Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency showed.
When added with NHS England data, showing a further 1,211 deaths of hospital patients in England who had tested positive for COVID-19, figures suggest the total death toll for the UK has climbed above 44,000.
The ONS statistics will vary from official government figures due to differences in accounting. On Monday, the government’s UK-wide total stood at 34,796 deaths and 246,406 cases.
The latest ONS figures also show about a quarter of coronavirus-related deaths in England and Wales took place in care homes.
