Some deaths caused by coronavirus would have happened later this year, says ONS

Some people who died from Covid-19 were likely to die later in the year, the Government statistics body claimed as it predicted below that average death rates will continue. More than 55,000 deaths involving coronavirus have been recorded in the UK during the pandemic, with the virus the main reason for deaths increasing above what would normally be expected for the period. The elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions are the most vulnerable to Covid-19 and have been hardest hit by the outbreak. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the virus was likely to have brought forward the deaths of some older and vulnerable people, which could prompt a period of below-average deaths. Its researchers said: "The disease has had a larger impact on those most vulnerable – for example, those who already suffer from a medical condition – and those at older ages. "Some of these deaths would have likely occurred over the duration of the year, but have occurred earlier because of the coronavirus. These deaths occurring earlier than expected could mean we start to see a period of deaths below the five-year average."

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