Virus Deaths in Care Homes Soar in England & Wales

(Bloomberg) --

The number of deaths caused by Covid-19 in care homes in England and Wales soared to 2,050 in the week ending April 17, more than double the number a week earlier, highlighting the difficulties the government faces in stopping the spread of the virus.

The toll helped send the number of deaths to the highest since comparable figures began in 1993. Those perishing in care homes now make up more than a quarter of all deaths linked to the disease.

Care homes are emerging as the key battleground in the battle against the virus in Europe, where older populations make them more vulnerable to the pandemic. The U.K. has faced criticism of its efforts to supply protective gear to the industry to protect workers and the elderly alike.

There were 22,351 deaths registered for the week, an increase of 21% from the previous week, the Office for National Statistics said on Tuesday. The figure was 113% higher than the average figure for the previous five years.

Mortality statistics released by European governments are producing a clearer picture of the devastating toll Covid-19 is taking, as they are less affected by discrepancies in reporting methods. In the U.K.’s case, the rapid rise in deaths has not been fully accounted for by those attributed to the virus, indicating that some may be missed or that the pandemic is killing people in other ways.

In total, 39.2% of all deaths mentioned Covid-19, compared with 33.6% a week earlier.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.