UK coronavirus death toll of 1,408 is only from hospital fatalities – and HIGHER figure will be revealed today
THE UK's true coronavirus death toll will be revealed today - with the current total only including fatalities in hospitals.
The Department of Health yesterday reported 1,408 deaths - an increase of 180 more fatalities in 24 hours - with more than 22,000 infections across the UK.
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But the Office for National Statistics is expected to release data for England and Wales today that will show deaths outside of NHS trusts - including those at home, at care homes or "in the community".
At the moment, the death toll is based on fatalities reported by NHS trusts.
The current figures do not give a true reading of the scale of coronavirus in Britain since a lag in death count means the stats are about three weeks behind.
The ONS statistics, which are released weekly, are expected to show any death "where Covid-19 is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate".
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Resources are set to be stretched over the coming weeks as death and sickness tolls peak, while NHS workers are also at risk of contracting the bug.
More than 20,000 former NHS staff have already returned to front-line roles to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Among those killed by the bug was Jayne Lowry, an animal care assistant for the RSPCA who died four days after her 26th birthday.
The tragedy came a week after Chloe Middleton, 21, from High Wycombe, Bucks, became the the UK’s youngest coronavirus victim with no existing medical issues.
Meanwhile a woman whose parents died at the weekend after getting Covid-19 says people must respect the lockdown.
Christopher Vallely, 79, and his wife Isobel, 77, died within 12 hours of each other.
