UK hits grim COVID-19 death toll figure of 100,000

UK on Tuesday hit ar grim COVID-19 milestone as country's death toll from deadly virus crossed 100,000 since peak of pandemic last year.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) assessment of death certificate data reveals that re have been nearly 104,000 deaths since last year. UK government's daily death toll figures rely on positive coronavirus tests in past 28 days and are refore slightly lower, at 98,531.

ONS figures show that a total of 7,245 registered deaths in England and Wales mentioned COVID-19 on death certificate in week ending January 15, which is up from 6,057 deaths week before and is highest weekly number since April 24, 2020.

"It is a trdy that we have w seen more than 100,000 deaths from COVID-19. This is a dreadful milestone to have reached, and behind each death will be a story of sorrow and grief,” said Chris Hopson, Chief Executive of NHS Providers, a membership organisation for state-funded National Health Service (NHS).

"We won't kw true impact of COVID-19 for a long time to come because of its long-term effects – but, as well as high death rate, it's particularly concerning that this virus has widened health inequalities and affected Black, Asian and mirity ethnic (BAME) communities disproportionately,” he said, urging continued “vigilance” among all communities and strictly following rules of social distancing.

“ vaccine offers hope for future. This is a key phase in fight to end COVID-19 but we must stay course until end is truly in sight,” he added.

latest figures come as UK government is considering furr measures in its fight against a high rate of infections, including possibility of imposing compulsory 10-day hospital quarantine for travellers entering Britain from regions believed to be at a high risk of spreading new variants of coronavirus.

“ NHS is still under intense pressure across all parts of country with 37,899 people in UK hospitals with COVID-19 – and that includes 4,076 on ventilators,” said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, as he reiterated mess for people to continue following lockdown restrictions.

minister highlighted that his department-led vaccination programme remains on track to meet government-set target of covering all those under top priority groups by mid-February, despite vaccine supply pressures.

“ rate limiting factor to this vaccination programme remains supply. As we kw, supply is tight. We’ve had a very strong performance in this past week. And I’m confident that NHS will deliver every shot that’s made available to it,” he said, adding that 78.7 per cent of all over 80s have w been vaccinated as of Monday.

government has also rolled out a new Community Champions scheme through local councils, fielding popular celebrities including British Indian actors Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar, to help combat reluctance among mirity communities towards being vaccinated.

“It is vital that everyone has access to accurate and up to date information about COVID-19. False information about COVID-19 vaccines could cost lives,” said Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Over 23 million pounds funding has been allocated to 60 councils and voluntary groups across England to expand work to support those most at risk from COVID-19 and boost vaccine take up.

“We want all communities to take up offer of a free vaccine and I have been working closely with faith and community leaders to ensure those who may be at higher risk of harm from this virus kw how y can benefit from a vaccine,” said Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi.

“ expansion of Community Champions scheme will help everyone get advice and information y need about COVID-19 vaccines,” he said.