Accuracy sees rise in death rates

New figures reveal a substantial leap in the number of known Covid-19 deaths in Kent - as reporting accuracy increases to include non-hospital settings.

The latest statistics show there were 542 deaths attributed to the virus across the county up to April 17, a number 37% higher than the NHS figure for the same period, which counted only deaths in hospitals.

Increased accuracy in the data shows the alarming extent to which lives are being lost in care homes.

They account for 108 deaths in Kent in the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), one in five of all fatalities recorded in the county.

National ONS figures suggest there has been a significant increase in the number of care homes deaths across the country, even as the casualty rate in hospitals appears to have reached its peak.

The latest figures up to April 17 show areas of Kent closest to London suffering from the highest rates of death by population – with Gravesham, Dartford and Sevenoaks all seeing more than 40 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Least affected are Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling, each with around 18 deaths per 100,000 people.

The ONS provides data based on all registered deaths where people had Covid-19 mentioned on their death certificate as a listed cause of death and is published later than NHS England figures after certifying doctor’s reports and death certificates.

Increased accuracy in data is cited for the sharp increase