UK covid death toll passes grim milestone of 200,000
A grim milestone of 200,000 coronavirus-linked deaths has been passed as the UK grapples with a spike of a new variant.
Figures released by the Office for National Spastics show that as of last week there was 200,247 fatalities registered in the UK where Covid was referenced on the death certificate.
The watershed moment for the pandemic in Britain comes amid a surge in overall cases, and new sub-variants.
Of more than 330 deaths last week, 64 per cent were linked to the virus, which his an increase from 58 per cent in the previous seven days.
Increased overall deaths were also above the five-year average for almost all settings, such as homes, hospitals and care homes.
The number of deaths in the week ending 1 July 2022 was 11,828, up 12.1 per cent on the five-year average, with more than 412 involving Covid.
About 2.7 million people were estimated to have COVID-19 in the last week of june in private households – which was an increase of 18 per cent from 2.3 million the previous week.
Steven Riley, Director of data, analytics and surveillance, at UKHSA said:
“Our most recent data show that vaccination remains the best form of defence against serious illness and death with COVID-19.
“With the rate of infection rising across the UK and ONS now confirming that there have now been 200,000 deaths involving COVID-19 , we urge all those eligible for the spring booster to take up the offer as soon as possible. Anyone who has not yet had their first, second, or booster dose, should also get up to date with their jabs.
“People with symptoms of a respiratory infection, and a high temperature or feel unwell, should try to stay at home or away from others – especially elderly or vulnerable people.
“With people mixing more during the summer months, meeting outdoors or in well ventilated spaces will reduce the risk of infection, as will remembering good hand and respiratory hygiene and wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces”.
Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner MP, said: “This is a tragic milestone for our country and all those who have lost loved ones.
“The public deserves transparency about how the UK Government handled Covid.
“The Covid public inquiry cannot begin its work soon enough. There can be no excuses for not ensuring ministers are held accountable for their decisions.”