Dozens of excess deaths recorded in the East Riding, new figures show

Dozens of more deaths were recorded across the East Riding in March than a year ago, official figures reveal.
Office for National Statistics figures show 359 deaths were recorded in the East Riding during March.Office for National Statistics figures show 359 deaths were recorded in the East Riding during March.
Office for National Statistics figures show 359 deaths were recorded in the East Riding during March.

Experts have warned the coronavirus outbreak could continue to have far-reaching consequences on mortality rates across the UK, including among those who do not catch the virus.

Office for National Statistics figures show 359 deaths were recorded in the East Riding during March.

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That was 36 more than the number recorded in March 2019, a rise of 11%.

This was higher than the average rise across Yorkshire and the Humber’s 21 local authorities, where death counts increased by 6%.

Across England and Wales, 5,826 extra deaths were registered this March than in the same month last year – 49,641 in total, an increase of 13%.

The figures include all deaths, not just those directly attributed to COVID-19.

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But medical experts have warned the death toll could go far beyond just those who contract the virus, as the effects of the shutdown begin to be seen on mortality rates in other areas of healthcare.

The British Heart Foundation has warned people are putting their “lives at risk” by delaying seeking treatment for heart attacks.

An ONS spokeswoman said there could be many reasons why deaths not related to the coronavirus may have increased, and work is ongoing to try to understand the trends.

She said: “These pieces of analysis are complex, requiring multiple data sources. This analysis is currently underway, and we will be able to make further announcements when these will be released in the coming weeks.”