Confusion over Covid-19 deaths

There is growing confusion, and concern, over the statistics being released by official bodies and it could be impacting the local response to Covid-19, according to the CEO of Powys County Council.

Powys County Council Chief Executive, Dr Caroline Turner, said the release of two sets of figures recording deaths of people with Covid-19 is not helping, with Public Health Wales saying that seven Powys people have sadly died, but the Office of National Statistics reporting that 35 have passed away.

“We are concerned that there are significant variations in the way Covid-19-related deaths are being reported,” she said.

“The total number of Covid-19 related deaths reported by the Office of National Statistics for Powys as at April 17 are 35 compared to seven reported by Public Health Wales.   

“The ONS figure is more consistent with what we are seeing within our communities and every one of these deaths is a tragedy for our residents, their families and our county as a whole.”

The Chief Executive has also written to the Welsh Government to call for an improvement in the reporting of Covid-19 related deaths. 

“The County Council is working closely with partner organisations as part of a co-ordinated approach to the COVID19 pandemic,” Dr Turner added. “These arrangements are working well and through the actions we are taking locally we are providing the care and support that is needed by our residents, businesses and communities during this very challenging time.

“Our plans and actions are informed by the data we receive from the Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and other national agencies. While we recognise the complexities involved in collecting and sharing data in a timely manner, to be useful it must be reliable and up to date. 

“Covid-19 is circulating widely throughout Powys and we are particularly concerned to see an increase in the number of cases and very sadly deaths in care homes across the county. We are working closely with these homes and our partners to support them as they battle this horrible disease.

“We want to ensure our residents have the best information available to ensure that everyone is aware of the real and present danger of the disease in Powys. The latest figures on deaths in Powys highlight why it is so very important that we all follow the Government guidelines on staying home, social distancing and good hand hygiene.”