Covid third-most common cause of death in England and Wales in October — after not making top 10 month before

Covid-19 mortality rate also ‘significantly increased’ from September, statistics body says

Coronavirus was the third-most common cause of death in England and Wales in October, according to the ONS (AFP via Getty Images)

Coronavirus was the third-most common cause of death in England and Wales last month, the Office for National Statistics  (ONS) has said.

The month before, Covid-19 did not make the top 10 causes for either country, according to the statistics body.

ONS data shows coronavirus was the underlying cause for nearly seven per cent of all deaths in England in October — and nearly 8 per cent in Wales.

This made the virus the third-most common cause of death for both nations, after dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and ischaemic heart disease, the ONS said. 

Meanwhile in September, coronavirus ranked 19th in England and 24th in Wales. 

The Covid-19 mortality had also “significantly increased” compared to the month before, the ONS said releasing its October statistics. 

The statistics body said the number of deaths registered in England last month was around 2,700 higher than the five-year average, and 258 higher for Wales. 

The figures come amid speculation over how the UK will approach Christmas during the pandemic. 

Boris Johnson wants to ease coronavirus rules to allow families to be reunited over Christmas, and his government has been working with counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to agree to a UK-wide approach.

Reports suggest households might be allowed to mix indoors for a five-day period from Christmas Eve, and that ministers are considering plans to allow three or four households to form bubbles.

However, scientists have warned Britons may have to pay for a short period of eased measures with tougher restrictions after the festive break.

Every day of relaxtion would need five days of stricter measures afterwards, Public Health England has warned. 

Meanwhile, Dr Susan Hopkins, a senior medical adviser to the government's Covid-19 response, suggested tougher restrictions could be needed either side of Christmas if curbs are to be eased for a time.

Additional reporting by Press Association