UK’s worst day for Covid-19 deaths happened in January

THE UK suffered its worst day for Covid-19 deaths during the second wave of the virus, new analysis confirms.

A total of 1,463 deaths occurred on January 19 where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This is four more than the 1,459 deaths that occurred on April 8, 2020, which was previously the UK’s “deadliest day”.

The total for January 19 has only now overtaken April 8, due to a small number of deaths that have recently been registered.

The figures have been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and provide the fullest picture so far of how the Covid-19 pandemic has unfolded in the UK.

Care home resident deaths involving coronavirus in England and Wales have fallen by more than three quarters in a month, figures show.

There were 2,175 care home resident deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate registered in the week ending February 5, the ONS said.

The latest weekly figures show 467 care home resident deaths involving Covid-19 were registered in the week to March 5 – down 78.5 per cent in four weeks.

The figures cover deaths of care home residents in all settings, not just in care homes. A total of 41,458 care home residents in England and Wales have now had Covid-19 recorded on their death certificate since the pandemic began.

Helen Wildbore, director of the Relatives & Residents Association, said: “It will be very welcome news for older people living in care that the tools to manage the virus are having an impact and mortality rates are falling.

“Care homes must now use those tools – such as testing and personal protective equipment – to safely welcome back visitors, to ensure the Prime Minister’s promise of reuniting families becomes a reality for all.”