More than 6,000 people have died of coronavirus in England care homes, shock new figures reveal

MORE than 6,000 people have died of coronavirus in care homes across England and Wales, shock new figures revealed today.

Almost a third of all coronavirus deaths were in care homes after the deadly bug hit some of the most vulnerable in our society.

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The deaths of at least 6,686 care home residents in England and Wales between April 10 and May 1 involved coronavirus, new figures from inspectors revealed.

Almost four times as many people are dying in care homes as usual at this time of year.

And today's figures have laid bare show the virus has ripped through care homes.

English care homes reported just 95 coronavirus deaths up to April 10.

From April 10 to May 1, the number had soared to 6,391.

In the space of just a week, care home deaths linked to coronavirus increased by more than 2,500.

Key facts:

• Coronavirus was involved in 29,710 deaths in England and Wales up to May 2
• That is 34% higher than the 22,173 reported by the Department of Health at the time
• 37.4% of all deaths were down to the virus in the week up to April 24 - down from 39.2% the week before
• In London, half of all deaths included coronavirus
• There were almost double the usual number of total deaths from all causes in the week up to April 24

Speaking about care home deaths, Nick Stripe, Head of Health Analysis, Office for National Statistics told the BBC: "In care homes, the situation is more stark.

"Almost four times more deaths than we would expect to see at this time of year were registered in that last week - 280 per cent more deaths registered in care homes above that five year average.

"That number is going up."

Of those deaths in care homes, 35 per cent of those mention coronavirus.

But speaking today at the Downing Street press briefing, Prof Angela McLean, Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor quoted statistics that showed deaths in care homes are now half of those in hospitals.

She said: "That shows there's a real issue we need to get to grips with about what's happening in care homes."

Chairman of the Independent Care Group (ICG) Mike Padgham said: "Every person lost to Covid-19 is felt deeply by those caring for them.

"Behind every statistic is a human loss, the tragic passing of a much-loved mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or friend. We must never forget that."

And the new statistics revealed the real coronavirus death toll could be a third higher than initially reported.

Coronavirus was recorded on 29,710 death certificates in England and Wales up to May 2, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed today. This includes 62 non-residents.

That is 33.7% higher than the 22,173 coronavirus deaths the Department for Health revealed at the time.

As of yesterday, the Department for Health has only announced 28,734 coronavirus deaths across the entire UK.

If that figure is under-reported by the same level, it could mean more than 36,000 have died of coronavirus in Britain already.

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The difference between the stats is down to the ONS counting all deaths where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate, including when it was only suspected.

The Department for Health only counts deaths after the person tested positive for coronavirus.

Also, there is a lag in deaths being reported, as death certificates can take as many as five days to be completed.

In London, more than half of all deaths were down to coronavirus.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show there were 7,713 deaths involving Covid-19 in England and Wales registered up to April 24 that occurred outside hospitals.

The statistics show 5,890 took place in care homes, 1,306 in private homes, 301 in hospices, 105 in communal establishments and 111 elsewhere.

The number of deaths in hospital hit 19,643 up to April 24.

The number of deaths is more than double the five year average for this week of the year.

A No10 spokesperson today said: "Every death from coronavirus is a tragedy and we are working night and day to give all of those effected the best possible support.

"In terms of the general trend that the deaths statistics set out, I point you to the Prime Minister's words last week where he said we are past the peak but remain in a dangerous phase and must recognise the risk of a second peak .

"We must continue to do all we can to suppress the virus and keep the transmission rate down.

"We can all play our part to protect the NHS and save lives."

It comes as a new life-saving NHS app that traces the spread of coronavirus will help put easing the lockdown in the hands of the public, health bosses say.

Experts have suggested the more Brits download the “ground-breaking” free tech, called NHS Covid-19, the more the UK can lift social distancing measures.

A trial begins on the Isle of Wight today involving NHS and council workers.

But social distancing could remain in place for a year to keep public places including work spaces, public transport and schools safe.

No firm date has been set for reopening workplaces but The Sun revealed last week that May 26 has been pencilled in as a target date as long as the Government’s five tests for lifting the lockdown measures are met by then.

Mr Johnson will publish a “roadmap” strategy on Sunday, detailing exactly how restrictions will be eased in order for Brits to safely return to work.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said measures such as shields, masks and limiting the amount of contact time with colleagues could be alternative approaches taken by employers.

But the draft guidance did not contain details about what personal protective equipment staff should wear when they return to work.

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The Trades Union Congress refused to support the plans as they stand, saying they “fall far short of giving any guarantees to workers about their health and safety”.

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