U.K.’s First in Europe to Record 40,000 Virus-Linked Deaths

(Bloomberg) --

Britain has recorded more than 40,000 deaths linked to coronavirus, making it the first country in Europe to reach the threshold.

Mortalities are leveling off as the countries move past the peak of the pandemic, with England and Wales reporting a decrease in the number of deaths involving the virus on the previous week.

Almost 43,000 fatalities mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate through May 16, according to the latest data registered with national statistics offices. It had stood at almost 38,300 a week earlier.

The government is facing calls to be more open about its strategy to combat Covid-19, with some lawmakers calling for the publication of the scientific advice behind Britain’s response to the virus.

Methods of reporting deaths vary, with Italy, for example, only registering deaths confirmed by a diagnostic test.

• The number of deaths in care homes in England & Wales from all causes in the week ending May 8 fell by 34% to 4,248.
• England and Wales recorded 3,081 more deaths than the five-year average for the week ending May 8
• However, the number of deaths in hospitals was 114 lower than the five-year average
• All regions of England and Wales showed a decrease in the percentage of deaths involving Covid-19

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.