Coronavirus: More deaths in deprived areas of Wales

Rhondda Cynon TaffGetty Images

At the virus's peak in April, Rhondda Cynon Taff saw 176.2 deaths per 100,000 of its population

The mortality rate for deaths involving coronavirus in deprived areas of Wales is almost double that in the most affluent ones, figures suggest.

There were 109.5 deaths per 100,000 population in the three months to the end of May in the most deprived areas.

This compares to 57.5 deaths in least deprived parts, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

For men it was 142.9 deaths per 100,000 in the most deprived areas compared to 74.5 in the least deprived.

Death rate from coronavirus and deprivation in Wales. Deaths per 100,000 based on levels of deprivation. Age standardised rates, with Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation.

For women the rates are 85 and 44.5 in the most and least deprived areas respectively.

At its peak in April, Rhondda Cynon Taff saw 176.2 deaths per 100,000 population and Newport 157.

Coronavirus death rates by county. Deaths per 100,000 population, age standardised, March-May. Some rates for Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are lower reliability because of numbers involved.

But over the three months, when adjustments are made to account for different age structures, Cardiff has a death rate of 124.5 per 100,000, followed by Rhondda Cynon Taff with 118.5 and Newport on 116.9.

"General mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas, but Covid-19 appears to be increasing this effect," said Sarah Caul, ONS's head of mortality analysis.

However, the lowest number of Covid-19 deaths over three months of nations and regions in England and Wales was in Wales, with 2,257 deaths, accounting for 22.2% of all deaths.

When adjusting for size and age structure of the population, there were 67.6 deaths per 100,000 people in Wales - only south west and south east England were lower.

This compares to 81.2 deaths involving Covid-19 per 100,000 people across the whole of England and Wales.

Death rates by health board. Monthly deaths involving Covid-19 per 100,000 population. Age standardised rates, deaths occurring by 31 May and registered by 6 June.

Across health board areas, Cardiff and Vale has the highest rate in Wales - 103.8 deaths over the three months - and Hywel Dda is the lowest with 25.9.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg has 97.8 deaths per 100,000, followed by Aneurin Bevan with 81.8 deaths per 100,000. Swansea Bay has a 72.9 rate, followed by Betsi Cadwaladr health board area (49.7 deaths per 100,000) and Powys (47.6).

These are all based on registered deaths in hospitals, care homes and people's homes.

The ONS have also provided an online tool, which enables people to type in their postcode to find out the picture in their local area over the last three months.