Almost 13X more over-60s have died from Covid in England's hospitals

Almost 13 TIMES more over-60s have died from Covid in England’s hospitals compared to those in younger age groups, official figures reveal

• NHS England data reveals over 60s account for 92 per cent of all hospital deaths from the coronavirus
• There were 58,600 deaths in this age group, compared to 4,650 counted among those in younger brackets
• The stark figures put pressure on ministers not to over-extend the current lockdown in England 

Almost 13 times more over-60s have died from coronavirus in England’s hospitals compared to those in younger age groups, official figures reveal.

NHS England data shows 56,000 Covid deaths were recorded in over-60s by January 14 — but only 4,500 in the under-60s.

The stark figures underline how the disease preys on the elderly, while for many younger people it triggers a mild infection that can clear in about a week.

Ministers are already under pressure not to over-extend the third lockdown. Boris Johnson has said the current shutdown will not be lifted until it is safe to do so, with some saying the Government may begin to ease measures as early as February 15 if all the 14million vulnerable are vaccinated. 

The analysis of data comes after Britain recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic for the second day in a row after health bosses announced 1,820 more victims. But the official daily toll does not delve into the age of victims.

And a Government-backed study threw a spanner in the works today by suggesting England’s current lockdown is failing to curb the spread of the virus. Imperial College London’s REACT-1 study, published last night, swab-tested 142,000 people across England for coronavirus between January 6 and 15 – the first 10 days of the lockdown – and found that 1.6 per cent of them were positive.

NHS England data shows 56,000 Covid deaths were recorded in over-60s by January 14 — but only 4,500 in the under-60s

Official figures show that 92 per cent of all Covid-19 deaths have been in the over-60s since the start of the pandemic. Above are ambulances at the Royal London Hospital

Boris Johnson today warned ‘there will be more’ Covid deaths to come after Britain recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic for the second day in a row with 1,820 more victims.

The Prime Minister called the figure ‘appalling’ as the UK’s overall toll crept closer to the grim 100,00 milestone. 

Department of Health data shows nearly 20,000 fatalities have been recorded in 2021 already, with today’s figure being a 16 per cent rise on the 1,243 recorded last Wednesday. Health bosses declared 1,610 deaths yesterday. 

Despite the grim figures, statistics also showed the second wave is continuing to fade as a result of lockdown. Another 38,905 coronavirus cases were recorded today, down 18 per cent on last Wednesday’s 47,525. 

But Mr Johnson warned of ‘tough weeks to come’ in the pandemic. He said: ‘These figures are appalling, and of course we think of the suffering that each one of those deaths represents to their families and to their friends.

‘I’ve got to tell you … there will be more to come because what we’re seeing is the result of the wave of the new variant that we saw just before Christmas on December 18, or thereabouts.’ 

Fatalities lag a few weeks behind infections due to the time it takes between catching and falling seriously ill with Covid, which means the effects of the January shutdown might not be felt in the death figures until next week. 

The striking statistics published yesterday show those over 60 have accounted for 92 per cent of all fatalities due to the virus since the pandemic began.

And of these 60 per cent were in the over 80s, or 34,786 deaths, the highest number recorded in any age group.

Those aged between 60 and 79 had the second highest death toll, at 23,886.

But for those aged between 40 and 59, there were 4,219 deaths from the virus recorded, and just 431 in those aged between 0 and 39.

Data from researchers and official bodies showed that Covid-19 death rates among the young were low when the pandemic first hit in the spring, and that they are lower still despite concern over pub-goers, holidaymakers and protesters spreading infection over the summer. 

Cancer consultant Professor Karol Sikora said previously: ‘On the whole, it is not a young person’s illness, healthy young people especially.

‘But they are paying the societal price in terms of education, university and social activities, and they will be paying the bill one day because the old people won’t be there. 

‘It’s a matter of balance and we’ve not got it right. It’s really important we don’t throw all the resources at Covid.’

Britain registered a record 1,820 deaths from Covid-19 yesterday, as the Prime Minister warned there ‘will be more’ fatalities to come.

Department of Health data shows nearly 20,000 fatalities have been recorded in 2021 already, with yesterday’s figure being a 16 per cent rise on the 1,243 recorded last Wednesday.

But despite the grim figures, statistics also showed the second wave is continuing to fade as a result of lockdown. Another 38,905 coronavirus cases were recorded today, down 18 per cent on last Wednesday’s 47,525.

The REACT study published today has also suggested tighter curbs on Britons lives may be needed, after it suggested infections did not fall within the first ten days of the shutdown.

The figures, which go against a wealth of other research showing cases have started to fall, are taken in high regard by Government ministers.

Random swabbing of 142,000 people conducted by Imperial College between January 6-15 found ‘no evidence’ of a decline in cases, and instead showed that 1.58 per cent of people in England were infected with Covid-19 in that 10-day spell – the equivalent of almost 900,000 people.

Experts also estimated that the national R rate is 1.04, meaning the epidemic is still increasing in size and pressure on hospitals will continue to mount.

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