Mortality in England and Wales was around 5% higher in the second quarter of this year than during the corresponding three months of 2019, signalling a return of 'excess' deaths.
That is according to the latest update from the Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI), which shows that there were 6,900 more deaths than would normally be expected from all causes in the UK in the second quarter of 2022, and 9,100 Covid-related deaths.
In the first quarter, there were 2,200 fewer all-cause deaths than expected, despite 14,800 Covid-19 deaths.
Cobus Daneel, chair of the CMI Mortality Projections Committee, explained: “There were fewer COVID-19 deaths in the second quarter of 2022 than in the first quarter.
“However, non-COVID deaths were significantly below normal levels in the first quarter, before reverting to more typical levels in the second quarter.
“The overall effect is a return to excess all-cause mortality in the second quarter.”
Owned by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, the CMI has been publishing analysis of the UK's mortality rate over the last two years through its mortality monitor, based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It latest update reveals that there have been around 125,100 more deaths from all causes than would normally be expected in the UK between the outbreak of Covid-19 and 1 July 2022.
Although the worst of the pandemic appears to be over, separate analysis of ONS data by Canada Life has recently found that 4% of the triple vaccinated will still report experiencing long Covid symptoms 12 weeks after being infected.
The insurance firm's own research also found that one in four sufferers have experienced a decline in mental health, with 15% afraid of disclosing long-Covid to their employer and 5% even having to quit their job as a result of the virus.
“Employers have a duty of care to their employees and must formulate a plan for how they will support any employees that are suffering with long Covid,” said Ian Ranger, head of claims, group insurance at Canada Life.
“Simple steps such as considering flexible working arrangements as well as reviewing health and well-being benefits, will enable those with long Covid to manage their symptoms and recover quicker, while also lessening the impact on the business.
“In addition, employers should think about training their staff to ensure they understand the impact of long Covid and make them aware of any employee benefits, policies and support in place that could help those suffering from long Covid.”
Image credit: iStock
Author: Chris Seekings