The United Kingdom has reportedly passed 40,000 Covid-19 deaths, retaining its position as the worst hit in Europe, according to new analysis of latest official figures.
New figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 35,044 deaths involving Covid-19 occurred in England and Wales up to May 1. The latest figures from the National Records of Scotland showed 2,795 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Scotland up to May 3.
And the latest figures from Northern Ireland showed 516 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in the country up to May 6. Together these figures mean that so far 38,355 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, including suspected cases.
That is the world’s second highest death toll after the United States, whose population is nearly five times bigger.
Experts have however cautioned against international comparisons, noting that co Iuntries record deaths so differently.
Relatedly, the Department of Health (DoH) said 100,490 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday, which was the first time the Government successfully reached its 100,000 test target for nine days.
The DoH puts the number of confirmed new coronavirus cases so far at 223,060 and the number of deaths at 32,065, significantly lower than the latest ONS figures.
