Heartbreaking toll of covid-19 on East Sussex revealed in number of ‘excess deaths’
and live on Freeview channel 276
Places like Lewes have been badly hit by the virus, with almost double the amount of deaths in April 2020 compared to the last five years.
Figures released this week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show there were 182 deaths from all causes in the area last month – compared with an average for the previous five years of 93.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThat is a significant 89 excess deaths in Lewes, a rise of 95.3 per cent.
Elsewhere in Wealden an extra 50.1 per cent of deaths were recorded in April.
There were 229 deaths from all causes in Wealden that month, compared to an average of 153 in April for the last five years.
Which means there was an excess of 76 deaths in April 2020 for Wealden.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn Eastbourne there were 143 deaths from all causes in April 2020. The average deaths in April for the previous five years is 106.
Which means this April Eastbourne had 37 excess deaths, a rise of 34.9 per cent.
And in Hastings there were 108 deaths from all causes in April 2020. The average deaths in April for the previous five years is 95.
Which means there were 13 excess deaths in Hastings this April, a rise of 14.2 per cent.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn Rother there were 143 deaths from all causes in April 2020. The average deaths in April for the previous five years is 112.
Which means there were an excess 31 deaths in Rother this April, a rise of 27.9 per cent.
The figures from the ONS cover the around 150 local authorities in England.
Excess deaths means the number of people who died for any reason over and above the expected number of deaths for that time of year.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt could serve to shed some light on the full impact of coronavirus – not only on those who died after never having been tested, but also through the knock-on effects of lockdown.
A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:
In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.
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 newspapers.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur 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.