Excess deaths show no signs of abating

In the week ending 5 August, deaths were 14.4% above the average in England and Wales

In the week ending 5 August 2022 (week 31), 10,698 deaths were registered in England and Wales, which is 1,350 (14.4%) excess deaths above the five-year average. 

Of the deaths registered, 723 involved COVID-19 ( 6.8% of deaths), and 469 were deaths due to COVID-19: 62 fewer than the week before, when 531 deaths were registered and deemed due to COVID-19. For comparison, 1,533 deaths were registered that involved influenza and pneumonia in week 31.   

See last week’s post: Why it's time to Investigate Excess Deaths in England and Wales