ONS: Deaths in care homes are the highest ever during the pandemic - Alzheimer's Society comment

This works out at 46.6% that week, the highest it has ever been during the pandemic. The previous high was 39.2% in May 2020.

Gavin Terry, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

'We are deeply saddened to see that today’s chilling ONS results reveal almost half of all deaths in care homes are now due to coronavirus, the highest rate since the pandemic began. Our hearts go out to families up and down the country who are now mourning their loved ones. We cannot allow this to continue.

'With a total of over 25,000 Covid deaths now in care homes, staff vaccinations must be urgently prioritised along with rapid rollout of second jabs.

But also, the Government must swiftly provide a concrete plan for safe meaningful visits to ensure people with dementia get vital contact with family carers. Twelve more weeks of waiting for will be tragically far too late for some.

'Care homes need the clarity over whether anything else is needed – and if so, what - alongside the first jab, protective equipment and regular testing. We have to consider mental as well as physical health to prevent yet more catastrophic and unacceptable loss of life.'