Covid-19: UK deaths near 60 000 as leaders call for realism about what NHS can handle

Covid-19-related deaths increased by more than 50% in the week ending 16 October, compared with the week before, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).1

A total of 10 534 deaths were registered in England and Wales over the seven day period, 6.8% above the five year average (669 deaths higher). Of these, 670 mentioned covid-19 (6.4% of all deaths), an increase of 232 (53%) compared with the previous week (438 deaths, 4.4% of all deaths). Across the UK, 58 925 deaths relating to covid-19 have now been registered.

NHS Confederation …