Coronavirus: NI death rate over pandemic period higher than average

The death rate in Northern Ireland over the course of the coronavirus pandemic has been almost 20% higher than average, according to new figures.

The data from statistics agency Nisra indicates that the death rate between 1 March and 30 June was 17.4% higher than what would have been expected.

During that period, there were 885 excess deaths in Northern Ireland, 837 of which were Covid-related.

The vast majority of excess deaths (78.4%) were in those aged 75 and over.

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) releases a weekly statistical bulletin giving information on deaths in Northern Ireland related to coronavirus.

The figures cover all fatalities where coronavirus has been recorded on the death certificate.

Tuesday's statistical bulletin from Nisra is in addition to the release of the weekly figures.

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Nisra's figures also show that the number of deaths in hospital was actually lower than would have been expected - 88 fewer people died in hospital when compared to the five-year average.

However, there was a marked increase in the number of people dying at home. Between March 1 and June 30, there were 556 excess deaths at home.

In short, the figures indicate that many people who would have been expected to be in hospital, perhaps dying there, ended up dying at home.

While Northern Ireland's death rate during the pandemic has been almost 20% higher than normal, this is still half the rate of increase in deaths seen in England and Wales over the same period.

The number of deaths in care homes was 32% higher than the expected number - there were 336 excess deaths in Northern Ireland care homes between March and the end of June.

The figures also suggest that these excess deaths can be accounted for by Covid-19.

There were 346 Covid-related deaths in Northern Ireland care homes in the same period.

The Department of Health's coronavirus-related death toll in Northern Ireland remains at 556.

The department's daily figures are mostly comprised of hospital deaths, where a patient had previously tested positive for the virus.