New data gives UK virus death toll 15% increase
Britain’s coronavirus death toll could be 15% higher than official figures.
That’s according to broader data which includes deaths in nursing homes.
The Office for National Statistics said over 6,000 people had died because of COVID-19 in England and Wales by April 3.
Nick Stripe from ONS said the figure was 15% higher than the NHS numbers as they include all mentions of COVID-19 on the death certificate, together with suspected cases and deaths in the community.
The new figure shows just how limited the official British data has been so far. Daily figures published by the health ministry only include COVID-19 deaths recorded in hospitals.
Even before these new figures, the official British death toll was the fifth-highest globally, and a senior government scientific adviser warned the country risks becoming the worst-hit in Europe.
