New figures released on Tuesday based on death certificates suggest the death toll from coronavirus in the UK is nearly 15 per cent higher than that announced daily on the basis of deaths in hospitals alone, as officials saw a 35% drop in GDP in Q2.
The higher figures relate to those passing away in private homes, care homes and hospices – a sector that campaigners allege has been ‘air-brushed’ in the daily discourse. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says the virus was mentioned on 3,475 death certificates in the week ending April 3.
ONS statistician Nick Strike said: “When looking at data for England, this is 15% higher than the NHS numbers as they include all mentions of Covid-19 on the death certificate, including suspected Covid-19, as well as deaths in the community.”
The cumulative figures from hospitals on Tuesday were 12,107 dead and 93,873 cases. Campaigners called for similar daily release of figures from care homes and retirement villages.
