Coronavirus: Most-deprived areas hardest hit - but death rate halves in nearly all regions
England and Wales see death rates more than halve in all but two regions, as the country moves through the peak.
Friday 12 June 2020 13:09, UK
People living in the poorest parts of England are twice as likely to die with COVID-19 as those in the most well-off areas, new figures suggest.
There were 128.3 deaths involving the virus per 100,000 in the most-deprived areas between March and the end of May.
That is 118% higher than the 58.8 deaths in the least-deprived areas.
London had by far the worst mortality rate during the three-month period - 137.6 - a third higher than the next region.
Nine out of 10 of the worst-hit areas were in the capital, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.
The borough of Brent had 210.9 deaths per 100,000 people, Newham 196.8, and Hackney 182.9.
"General mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas, but COVID-19 appears to be increasing this effect," said Sarah Caul from the ONS.
Overall, there were 82.1 deaths involving coronavirus per 100,000 in England, and 67.6 in Wales.
The most-deprived fifth of areas in Wales had 109.5 deaths per 100,000, nearly twice as high as the least-deprived areas - 57.5 deaths.
However, between April and May, the mortality rate more than halved in all but two regions of England and Wales.
Tower Hamlets, in London, saw a 92.5% fall.
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As the situation improves in the capital, the North East of England recorded the highest age-adjusted mortality rate in May.
The South West continued to have the lowest mortality rate.
Commenting on the figures for the North East, Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said experts believe the region was up to six weeks behind London.
"On the ground, the North East is now seeing the number of cases and deaths from coronavirus fall significantly.
"There has been a phenomenal national effort to win the battle against the coronavirus and we are winning.
"Deaths are coming down in the North East and I hope we see that trend continuing over the coming days and weeks."
The ONS figures cover deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate - meaning the person may not have had a test and may have had other health conditions.
Top 20 highest mortality rates (March - end of May)
:: Brent 210.9
:: Newham 196.8
:: Hackney 182.9
:: Harrow 178.0
:: Haringey 177.9
:: Middlesbrough 169.2
:: Lewisham 168.1
:: Lambeth 166.9
:: Tower Hamlets 164.1
:: Ealing 163.4
:: Croydon 161.9
:: Hertsmere 161.6
:: Southwark 161.4
:: Salford 159.9
:: Hammersmith & Fulham 155.3
:: Watford 153.8
:: Enfield 151.9
:: Liverpool 144.5
:: Waltham Forest 143.3
:: Redbridge 141.1