Responding to the weekly mortality stats from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the week ending 29 January 2021, Nuffield Trust Deputy Director of Research Sarah Scobie said:
“Today’s figures show the harsh reality of the second wave and the tough start to the year so many have faced. Throughout January (2nd-29th), there have been over 30,000 registered deaths attributed to Covid-19 in England and Wales. In just one month, that is 1.5 times the 20,000 figure which would have been deemed a ‘good outcome’ for the UK as the pandemic took hold nearly a year ago.
“The week up to 29th January has seen the second-highest number of Covid deaths recorded during the pandemic. With daily reported deaths remaining so high for a sustained period, it will take some time to see these registrations come down to typical levels for this time of year.
“It is striking how long and widespread the impact of the second wave has been. In all regions, the number of deaths recorded has been above the five-year average for 12 weeks running. The lasting impact on families and carers after this long period of grief and pressure cannot be underestimated.”
Notes to editors
- The Office for National Statistics weekly mortality statistics are available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/weekending29january2021
- The Nuffield Trust is an independent health think tank. We aim to improve the quality of health care in the UK by providing evidence-based research and policy analysis and informing and generating debate.
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