THE Colchester neighbourhoods which saw the biggest rise in their death tolls during the coronavirus pandemic have been revealed, with one part of the borough seeing almost 70 per cent more deaths than expected.
Office for National Statistics data comparing the number of deaths registered during the pandemic to a baseline from previous years shows some part of Colchester were significantly more affected than others.
In the 14 months to the end of April, there were 2,124 deaths registered in Colchester – 280, or 15.2 per cent, more than the 1,844 predicted..
Of the deaths, 351 had Covid-19 listed as the main cause.
However, many Covid-related deaths at the start of the pandemic may have been undiagnosed, the ONS has said.
A further breakdown for Colchester, released for the first time, also reveals which of the area's 20 neighbourhoods had the highest and lowest excess death rates during the pandemic.
Why are excess deaths important?
The measurement compares the number of deaths registered during the period with how many were predicted based on previous mortality rates between 2014 and 2019.
It has been described as the key metric for the impact of the pandemic by Professor Chris Whitty, the Government's chief medical officer.
Which parts of the borough were worst affected?
New Town and Hythe saw the highest number percentage of excess deaths during the pandemic.
There were 96 deaths in total, 39 or 68.4 per cent more than expected, with 16 with Covid listed as the main cause.
Prettygate and Westlands saw 113 deaths, 30 or 36.1 per cent more than expect, including 12 people who died due to Covid.
West Bergholt and Wormingford was third was with 78 deaths, 20 or 34.5 per cent, more than expected, including 11 due to Covid.
What about the least affected area?
At the other end of the scale, Lexden saw 70 deaths, which is 13, or 15.7 per cent, fewer than expected - including eight with Covid as the cause.
Central Colchester saw 146 deaths, just two more than expected, despite 37 deaths being linked to coronavirus.
Shrub End saw 49 deaths, one or 2.1 per cent, more than expected, with 11 deaths due to Covid.
In Colchester, the highest number of excess deaths came in January this year when there were 94.
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What have people said about the figures?
The Health Foundation said the virus has laid bare inequalities across England and Wales, with poor health, deprivation and stretched public services to blame for increased exposure.
In its Covid-19 Impact Inquiry report, the Health Foundation said people aged under 65 living in the most deprived areas were almost four times more likely to die from the virus, compared to those in the most affluent.
It found those in poor health, cramped housing conditions and some working environments faced an increased risk of exposure.
Assistant director David Finch said: "There is extensive evidence that poor health and existing inequalities left parts of the country vulnerable to the virus and defined the contours of its devastating impact.
"Deep-rooted issues such as poor health, increased financial insecurity and strained public services left some people more exposed."
What has the Government said?
The Department of Health and Social Care said increasing vaccine uptake was a “key step” to addressing the disparity of outcomes for those who catch Covid.
A spokesperson said: “The vaccines are saving lives and building a wall of protection against the disease.”
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