Commenting on data published by the Office for National Statistics that shows more than 279 people have died of Covid-19 in care homes in the South West, UNISON South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye said:
“The number of coronavirus deaths in South West care homes has tripled in the space of a week. We can’t allow this hidden death toll to keep accelerating as it is right now.
“Care workers tell UNISON every single day they feel forgotten and let down.
“There’s still widespread confusion among workers and employers over what equipment they should have and continuing problems getting it in the first place.
“Carers are terrified they’ll contract the virus, spread it to service users or vulnerable family members.
“Public Health England has to urgently clarify its guidance for the care sector and the government has to get its act together immediately if we are to prevent more lives being lost needlessly.”
Notes to editors:
- The ONS data up to week ending 17 April is available here.
- The ONS figures show 279 reported deaths in the region’s care homes.
- At the end of the previous week (10 April), ONS data showed 73 reported deaths in South West care homes.
- County breakdowns are as follows:
| County | Care Home
C-19 deaths |
Total C-19 deaths |
| Bristol | 33 | 90 |
| Cornwall | 20 | 90 |
| Dorset | 22 | 110 |
| Devon | 32 | 123 |
| Gloucestershire | 78 | 254 |
| Somerset | 32 | 114 |
| Wiltshire | 62 | 174 |
| Total | 279 | 962 |
