Nearly a dozen more coronavirus-related deaths at care homes across Cornwall
92 people have now died in care homes from coronavirus related illnesses across the Duchy
Nearly a dozen more coronavirus-related deaths have occurred in care homes in Cornwall over the last fortnight, figures reveal.
Care leaders say the latest figures demonstrate the "awful toll" of the pandemic on care homes nationally.
Office for National Statistics data shows 298 deaths involving Covid-19 were provisionally registered in Cornwall up to January 23.
Of those 114 occurred outside hospital – including 92 in care homes, up from the 82 registered two weeks earlier.
There were also 22 deaths at private homes.
The figures include deaths that occurred up to January 15 but were registered up to eight days later.
Across England and Wales, 98,100 deaths involving Covid-19 were provisionally registered up to January 23.
Of those, 1,271 occurred in care homes in the seven days to January 15, more than double the 560 reported two weeks earlier.
Mike Padgham, chairman of the Independent Care Group, which represents providers in York and North Yorkshire, said the virus is "still claiming too many lives".
"We must never lose sight of the fact that every loss is a loved one – a wife, a husband, a mother, a father, an aunt, an uncle, or a friend.
"At the start of the pandemic there is no doubt that care and nursing homes did not get the protection they needed and were at the back of the queue when it came to getting access to personal protective equipment and proper testing, which might explain why the sector has suffered so much."
Mike Padgham, Chairman, Independent Care Group
Helen Wildbore, director of the Relatives and Residents Association, a national charity for older people needing care, said: "These are heart-breaking figures which belie the ‘protective ring’ the Government claim to have thrown around care homes.
"These figures will be alarming and concerning for residents and their relatives, but also frustrating given the sacrifices families are making around contact, yet the virus is still getting into care homes."
Helen Wildbore, Director, Relatives and Residents Association
Meanwhile, National Care Forum executive director Vic Rayner said it is "vital" the public continue to stick to lockdown rules and curb the spread of the virus.
In the two weeks to January 23 in Cornwall:
- Deaths outside hospital increased by 10, climbing to a total of 114
- Hospital deaths increased by 26 to 184
- The overall death toll climbed by 36