NEW: ONS figures on coronavirus death show large jump.
Deaths due to COVID-19 accounted for 21% of all deaths in the week ending 3rd April, compared to just 4.8% of deaths the week before.
Deaths due to COVID-19 accounted for 21% of all deaths in the week ending 3rd April, compared to just 4.8% of deaths the week before.
The ONS death total is 15% higher than the numbers reported by the NHS in the same period.
That's because they include deaths outside of hospital, and also suspected COVID-19 deaths.
#coronavirus @LBC
That's because they include deaths outside of hospital, and also suspected COVID-19 deaths.
#coronavirus @LBC
But look. If you compare today's stats to those announced by @DHSCgovuk *at the time* the difference is even more stark.
On 4th April, Dept of Health said the number of deaths due to COVID-19 by 3rd April was 4,313.
Today the ONS says it was 6,235.
That's an increase of *45%*
On 4th April, Dept of Health said the number of deaths due to COVID-19 by 3rd April was 4,313.
Today the ONS says it was 6,235.
That's an increase of *45%*
Now that's not because the Dept of Health is trying to hide anything or massage the figures. It just shows that the data presented by the DoH is limited. It is always revised, inevitably upwards, and it also only includes hospital deaths.
The lesson? The total number of deaths being reported daily due to coronavirus is likely to be a significant underestimate.
But it's the best data we've got, because frankly it takes time to compile more accurate info.
But it's the best data we've got, because frankly it takes time to compile more accurate info.
Also, thinking about it, the difference between the Dept of Health figures and the ONS ones is likely to be even greater because the ONS stats only factor in England and Wales.
Cripes.
Cripes.
