More than 39,000 care home residents died with coronavirus in England in the year from 10 April 2020 to 31 March 2021, new figures suggest.
Data from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) also shows the highest number of deaths involving COVID-19 in a single care home was 44, while 21 homes had more than 30 Covid-related deaths.
The CQC said it has not found a link between standards of care in a home and the number of deaths, and that many factors are involved – including the levels of coronavirus in the local community and the age and health of residents.
The CQC data is based on notifications from care home managers, who have a duty to inform the regulator when one of their residents dies.
Cllr David Fothergill, the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board Chairman, said every life lost to COVID-19 is a tragedy and that it was a “solemn reminder” of the number of deaths in care homes across the country involving coronavirus.
He also praised the “incredible dedication and commitment”of the care workforce who put themselves at risk, and said it was important for care providers and their employees to continue to receive all support necessary in what is still a volatile and difficult period.
Cllr Fothergill added: “It is vital that this data and everything else we have learnt during the pandemic is used to improve our response and understanding about how best to support people’s safety and wellbeing, as we look to build back better.”