Death rate falls slightly in North East - but remains double the expected level
According to the latest data, there were 1,103 fatalities in the region in the fourth week of April – 419 of which are linked to COVID-19.
The trend was also recreated nationally, with data for the week ending April 24 appearing to show a peak in those dying with confirmed or suspected coronavirus.
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Hide AdThe findings, published today (Tuesday, May 5) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), show more than a third of death certificates completed in England and Wales in that week mentioned the disease as a cause, possible cause or contributing factor.
Analysis of previous figures indicates the North East saw about 560 deaths on average in the equivalent week over the past five years.
The significantly higher actual number of fatalities cannot be solely attributed to COVID-19, according to current data, once again prompting concerns the virus outbreak and lockdown could be delaying treatment or diagnosis of other life-threatening conditions.