Almost half of deaths in care homes due to Covid-19

Nearly 50% of care home deaths in England in the week ending 29 January were due to Covid-19, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The latest figures from the ONS show 1,790 people died from Covid-19 in care homes last week.

This accounts for 49% of the total deaths in care homes that week and is the highest percentage since the record began in April 2020.

This is the highest it has been since the pandemic began.

Gavin Terry, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Society, said care homes need clarity from the government to help prevent more catastrophic and unacceptable loss of life.

‘We are deeply saddened to see that today’s chilling ONS results reveal almost half of all deaths in care homes are now due to coronavirus, the highest rate since the pandemic began.

‘Our hearts go out to families up and down the country who are now mourning their loved ones. We cannot allow this to continue.

‘With a total of over 25,000 Covid-19 deaths now in care homes, staff vaccinations must be urgently prioritised along with the rapid rollout of second jabs.

‘But also, the government must swiftly provide a concrete plan for safe meaningful visits to ensure people with dementia get vital contact with family carers.

‘Twelve more weeks of waiting for will be tragically far too late for some.

‘Care homes need the clarity over whether anything else is needed, and if so, what, alongside the first jab, protective equipment and regular testing.

‘We have to consider mental as well as physical health to prevent yet more catastrophic and unacceptable loss of life.’

The Department for Health and Social Care has been contacted for comment.

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