FOI Ref: FOI/2021/3388
You asked
Please supply the number of COVID-19 deaths in 2020 and 2021 being reported into the following:
a) number of deaths where covid mentioned on the death certificate
b) number of deaths occurring with 28 days of a positive test
We said
Thank you for your enquiry regarding COVID-19 deaths.
COVID-19 deaths within 28 and 60 days of a positive test
Our data is derived from the death certificate, using information received at the point of death registration. This is different to the data used by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which records all deaths with a positive test within 28 days. Therefore, we do not hold the information requested.
ONS data as described here are different from the figures on COVID-19 deaths published on the government's COVID-19 dashboard which shows 'deaths within 28 days of a positive test'.
You can read a blog by Professor John Newton of Public Health England about the complexities of counting COVID-19 deaths and the different methods used.
UKHSA would be better placed to answer this enquiry. They can be contacted at enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk.
Monthly breakdown of deaths involving and due to COVID-19
When we say that a death 'involved' COVID-19, we mean that COVID-19 was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, possibly along with other health conditions, not necessarily as the underlying cause of death. When we say that a death was 'due to' COVID-19, we mean that COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death, because it was either the only health condition mentioned on the death certificate, or it was the one that started the train of events leading to death.
This information is published monthly as part of our Monthly mortality analysis, England and Wales publication. Table 3 shows monthly deaths due to COVID-19 in England and in Wales, and table 3b shows deaths involving COVID-19 in England and in Wales.
For further information, please contact Health.Data@ons.gov.uk.