June's age-standardised mortality rate was the second-lowest on record for that month. England has now had *four months in a row* of "negative excess mortality". Average mortality up to June was lower than in 2018.
The link between cases and deaths has weakened substantially in recent weeks. However, the situation is actually even more positive: measured by excess deaths, the pandemic hasn't taken any lives since early March.
Estimates for the prevalence of long COVID range from 0.04% to 1.7%. Given all the evidence, those at the low end are more plausible, especially if we’re talking about something of clinical significance.
88% of English parents would "definitely" or "probably" allow their children to get vaccinated against Covid if offered, according to a new survey. More than 30% said they were "unsure but probably in favour".
Lockdown restrictions in 2020 did not lead to a baby boom and data from the ONS suggests that 2021 could see the lowest fertility rate ever recorded in England and Wales.
The economy shrank by 1.6% in the first quarter, more than was previously thought, as ONS data shows that the real GDP level is now 8.8% lower than its pre-lockdown level.
The latest data from the ONS reveals that just 84 people died of Covid in England + Wales in week ending June 11, less than 10% of deaths from flu and pneumonia ad one of the lowest weekly totals since the pandemic began.
May's age-standardised mortality rate was the lowest on record for that month, and the second-lowest on record for any month. The overall mortality rate in the first five months of the year is now lower than in 2018.
Covid was recorded as the underlying cause of death in just over 60% of recent registered "Covid deaths". For the rest, the virus was not listed as a major cause.
Vulnerable people are no longer advised to shield in England, and almost 70% of them have been fully vaccinated against Covid – but new data shows that half are choosing to carry on shielding anyway.
