THE UK’s coronavirus death toll is higher than previously reported it has emerged, following the release of statistics on Covid-19 deaths outside hospitals.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed England and Wales saw 210 deaths from Covid-19 by March 20 – up 20% on the 170 deaths reported by the UK Government.

UK Government statistics previously showed the number of coronavirus deaths in hospitals – but did not include deaths in the wider community like in care homes.

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The ONS, which looked at deaths registered in England and Wales which had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate, said it will publish a more detailed breakdown on the data as soon as possible.

Sarah Caul, head of mortality analysis at the ONS, said: “Numbers produced by ONS are much slower to prepare, because they have to be certified by a doctor, registered and processed.

“But once ready, they are the most accurate and complete information.”

It is unknown how the ONS data for last week will impact on the coronavirus death toll in the UK, which currently stands at 1408 as of 5pm on March 29.

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