‘Highest’ excess deaths during pandemic were in Antrim and Newtownabbey

The data relating to the months during the height of the coronavirus pandemic shows Belfast had the largest number of excess deaths (218), accounting for a quarter of the total number of Northern Ireland’s excess deaths, while Mid Ulster had the lowest (seven per cent).

The statistics show there were 885 excess deaths across Northern Ireland from March 1 to June 30, 17.4 per cent above expected levels (average deaths for the same period over the last five years).

In the same period, there were 837 Covid-19 related deaths. The number of excess deaths for females (474) is higher than for males (411), whilst the number of Covid‑19 related deaths is slightly higher (421 compared to 416).

The majority of excess deaths (78.4 per cent) and Covid‑19 related deaths (79.8 per cent) are accounted for by those aged 75 and over. In this group, excess deaths were 21.3 per cent above expected levels, compared to 17.4 per cent for all ages.

For both males and females aged 55 to 64, excess deaths as a proportion of expected levels, were higher than the equivalent proportions for those aged 65 to 74.

Deaths in hospitals were lower than expected levels, despite 434 Covid‑19 related deaths in hospitals. Care homes had similar levels of excess deaths (336) and Covid‑19 related deaths (346).

In contrast, the majority of excess deaths (556) occurred at home, while 44 Covid-19 related deaths occurred at home.

Excess deaths were highest in the least deprived areas, with just over a 20 per cent increase in deaths compared to expected levels.

Excess deaths were lower in rural areas at 14.3 per cent above expected levels, compared to 18.7 per cent in urban areas.

Excess deaths were associated with proximity of area of main residence to Belfast, with decreasing proportions of excess deaths with increasing travel times to Belfast, from 23.3 per cent within 20 minute drive-time to 8.8 per cent for a drive‑time between 45 and 60 minutes.

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you.