Mortality rates in England and Wales have been above 2019 levels for the fourth successive month, analysis by the Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI) has found.
The latest update from the CMI also shows that there were 1,086 more deaths in England and Wales in week 44 (30 October to 5 November) of 2021 than during the corresponding week of 2019.
Based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the analysis also shows that the number of deaths with COVID-19 mentioned on the death certificate was 995 in week 44 of this year.
Overall, the CMI estimates that there have been around 113,500 more deaths from all causes than expected in the UK between the start of the pandemic and 5 November 2021, of which 40,600 have occurred this year.
“The latest ONS data shows the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in a week in England and Wales since March 2021,”
“Excess mortality has been at a similar level to COVID-19 deaths for the last four months. This indicates that non-COVID deaths were similar to 2019 – the last pre-pandemic year.”
Owned by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, the CMI has been publishing analysis of the UK's mortality rate during the coronavirus crisis through its mortality monitor.
The latest update comes after longevity specialists Club Vita revealed in September that UK life expectancy at birth has fallen by more than 10 weeks since 2017.
Its findings were based on the first ONS national life tables to include data from during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Steven Baxter, head of innovation and development at Club Vita, said: “The inclusion of 2020 data will take account of the large number of COVID-19-related deaths, but won’t consider any 'bounce-back' to lower mortality levels that may be around the corner.
“We will need to keep a close eye on the emerging 2021 and 2022 data to see whether it will be a similar story following our generation’s one in 100-year global pandemic.”
Image credit: iStock
Author: Chris Seekings