The effects of confinement may now kill more people than die from Covid, official statistics suggest.
Figures for additional deaths from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that about 1,000 more people than usual are currently dying each week from diseases other than the virus.
The Telegraph has been informed that the Department of Health has ordered an investigation into the figures out of concern that the deaths are linked to delays and delays in treatment for conditions such as cancerdiabetes and heart disease.
In the past two months, the number of additional deaths not caused by Covid has fallen below the number linked to the virus. It comes amid renewed calls for Covid measures such as mandatory mouth caps in the winter.
But the numbers suggest the country is facing another silent health crisis linked to the pandemic response rather than the virus itself.
The British Heart Foundation said it was “deeply concerned” about the findings, while the Stroke Association said it had anticipated an increase in the number of deaths for a while.
dr. Charles Levinson, the chief executive of Doctorcall, a private GP service, said his company saw “way too many” cases of undetected cancers and heart problems, as well as “troubling” numbers. mental illness.
“Hundreds and hundreds of people die every week – what’s going on?” he said. “Delays in seeking and receiving care are undoubtedly the driving force in my view.
“Daily Covid stats demanded the nation’s attention, but these terrifying numbers are barely coming in. A full and urgent government inquiry is required immediately.”
Figures released by the ONS on Tuesday showed that the number of deaths is currently 14.4 percent higher than the five-year average, representing 1,350 more deaths than usual in the week ending Aug. 5.