UK COVID-19 Deaths Spike Again: Daily Toll Hits 768
The UK has recorded another grim day in the coronavirus crisis. New deaths stand at 768, pushing the total UK death toll to 19,507 as of April 24, 2020.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed these figures include hospital deaths across England and Wales announced today, along with Scotland and Northern Ireland’s numbers from yesterday.
Wales Sees Sudden Deaths Surge Due to Reporting Delay
Public Health Wales revealed a backlog causing a sharp jump in reported deaths. Eighty-four deaths, spanning March 20 to April 22, were reported all at once from one health board. This delay has significantly inflated Wales’ death statistics.
Scotland & Northern Ireland Deaths Rise; ICU Pressure Mounts
Scotland registered 64 new deaths, bringing its total to 1,184. Currently, 141 patients are in intensive care units battling the virus.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s figures continue to be monitored closely, with official updates expected from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the coming weeks to correct and confirm totals.
Scotland’s COVID Battle: Ambulance Calls and Care Home Outbreaks
- On April 23, Scotland’s 111 helpline received 3,009 calls, plus 364 more to the Coronavirus Helpline.
- The Scottish Ambulance Service responded to 1,489 calls, 327 linked to suspected COVID-19 cases, and transported 205 patients to hospital.
- Hospital delays improved, with 600 patients delayed on April 23 — a drop of 1,012 from early March targets.
- Almost half (516) of adult care homes reported suspected COVID-19 cases; 332 had multiple cases, and 384 care homes currently face outbreaks.
- Cumulative suspected COVID-19 cases in Scottish care homes rose to 2,445 — up 152 from the day before.
- Around 7,567 NHS staff members (4.6% workforce) are off work due to COVID-related issues.
- Since March 5, 2,271 COVID-positive patients have been discharged from Scottish hospitals, including a data-update boost from NHS Fife.
Stay tuned for daily updates as Scotland and the rest of the UK continue to grapple with the evolving coronavirus crisis.
