Covid-19 deaths in England and Wales up 68% in a week
Deaths from Covid in England and Wales have risen by more than 68% in a week, according to the latest data available from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
A total of 183 deaths registered in England and Wales in the week ending July 9 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, according to the ONS – up 68% on the previous week.
There were 9,752 deaths in England and Wales registered in the week ending July 9, 2021, this was 944 more deaths than the previous week and 6.2% above the five-year average.
It is the highest total since 205 deaths in the week to April 30.
Some 20 care home resident deaths involving Covid-19 in England and Wales were registered in the week to July 9, up from 11 deaths in the previous week.
In total, 42,587 care home residents in England and Wales have had Covid-19 recorded on their death certificates since the pandemic began.
A total of 154,334 deaths have now occurred in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, the ONS said.
This is higher than the government official total death figure of 128,727 which is based on deaths within 28 days of positive test.
The highest number of deaths to occur on a single day was 1,483 on January 19.
During the first wave of the virus, the daily toll peaked at 1,461 deaths on April 8, 2020.
Covid has been rising sharply across the UK in recent weeks, with 39,950 cases recorded on Monday and over 50,000 on Friday.
Despite the rise in cases the government pressed ahead with its plan to ease restrictions on Monday in England.
As a result of the rise in cases, more and more people have been "pinged" by the NHS Covid app, causing a crisis in vital services and businesses.
On Monday, the government announced some people working in vital services would not have to self-isolate but there have been calls to clarify who will be exempt.
The government also announced on Monday from the end of September only the double jabbed will be allowed into nightclubs and large events, which has caused an outcry from the industry and many politicians.