Responding to the latest ONS figures on coronavirus deaths in care homes, which show almost 20,000 care home residents have died with coronavirus, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“This shocking and sobering study is another painful reminder of the devastation this disease has caused in our care homes and beyond. Our thoughts go out to all those who have lost loved ones during this terrible pandemic.
“Social care has been on the frontline throughout this crisis and councils are doing all they can to protect those in care homes, as well as those receiving care in their own homes. Although it is clear we are now past the peak of this virus, our elderly and most vulnerable continue to be at risk.
“Nearly a third of all deaths in care homes involved coronavirus and we need to do all we can to keep drastically reducing this. The Government’s announcement today of regular testing of care home residents and staff will help with preventing the spread of infection, but we must remain vigilant.
“It is also seriously concerning that death rates among those who receive care at home is now more than double the three-year average.
“The Government needs to ensure that councils and social care services have all the resources they need for the weeks and months ahead. The LGA is working closely with the new National COVID-19 Social Care Support Taskforce to tackle these issues and help guide social care through this current crisis and beyond.”
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