News

"Social care remains on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus and excess deaths in care homes continues to be higher than the five-year average, compared to hospitals which have seen a decline, leaving our older people and most vulnerable at risk."

"Every death from this dreadful disease is a personal tragedy and our thoughts go out to those family and friends in mourning."

"Staff working in care homes and those providing care in people’s own homes have done an incredible job, in extremely challenging circumstances, to protect those they care for throughout this crisis."

"While we have started to thankfully see a decline in some figures, it is still incredibly worrying that the percentage of all deaths in care homes attributed to COVID-19 has increased."

"Social care, including care homes and providing care in people’s homes, remains the frontline in the fight against coronavirus."

"These truly shocking statistics are another tragic reminder about the essential need for our vital social care workforce to be fully protected and equipped to look after themselves, as well as all the people of all ages they are supporting, and helping to keep safe and well."

"Suicide prevention is a public health priority for local government and every council has a suicide prevention plan in place. Councils are already working closely with schools, railway operators, businesses, hospitals and the police to prevent suicide and help those affected by it."

“Rising coronavirus cases across the country mean that we all now, more than ever, have a responsibility to get ourselves tested when needed and for sharing our contacts on request.

"Councils’ public health teams are using their unique expertise and understanding of their communities to reach those who cannot be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace system, including speaking other languages. These figures show they are having much more success at reaching complex close contacts of positive cases."

“If we are to prevent this second wave from escalating further, we need the system to meet the recommended 80 per cent benchmark if it is to have any chance of success."