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.

Source: Read Full Article