Looking through @ONS data on European deaths, it is v clear how poor the performance in England (and to a slightly lesser extent across GB) really is.
Note the excess death lines. Note the GB nations. Almost uniquely toxic combo of v high peaks which take a long time to decline
Note the excess death lines. Note the GB nations. Almost uniquely toxic combo of v high peaks which take a long time to decline
No individual British city or region in any given week performed as poorly as the areas in Italy/Spain with the worst rates (some of which are shocking).
For example, in week 12, Bergamo posted excess deaths which were up 847% on normal.
Worst for UK was Brent in wk 16- 357%
For example, in week 12, Bergamo posted excess deaths which were up 847% on normal.
Worst for UK was Brent in wk 16- 357%
So though no individual place in the UK was affected as badly as some places in Europe, the key point is that the disease affected all of Britain quite badly. *Every* local authority area experienced an increase in excess deaths. In other countries it was far more localised.
England had longest continuing period of excess mortality of any of the countries the ONS compared. It wasn't a short, acute, localised shock as elsewhere. It was prolonged, chronic and ubiquitous one.
Note too how much worse GB under 65 death is compared to most European countries where much of the excess is in the over 65s.
Lots of reasons for this, some of which we explored in last night's show, incl the late lockdown, disease spreading across the country as a result, bit of population density/obesity etc. But high under 65 excess deaths points to side effects of "protect the NHS" comms strategy...
...meant that lots were unwilling to go to hospitals when needed (excess deaths at home are still higher than average). NHS to some extent becoming a covid service will have contributed to this as well, alongside care policies (though other countries struggled with this too)
Though the distribution of the virus in Britain relative to other countries meant it could get into more care homes than other places.
Side note: I've said it before but I'll say it again, the team @ONS are truly fantastic. The level of detail they've provided in this analysis is stellar. They've been a real force for the public good and understanding throughout this crisis.
