This is how many deaths involving COVID-19 were provisionally registered in Northumberland up to May 30

Office for National Statistics data shows that 233 deaths involving Covid-19 were provisionally registered in the county up to May 30.

The figures show that deaths in care homes – 97 – accounted for 42% of all virus-related fatalities on Northumberland

Five people died at private homes and a further four deaths occurred in hospices and other community establishments.

Hospital deaths increased by six to 127.

The figures include deaths that occurred up to May 22 which were registered up to eight days later.

ONS data is based on where Covid-19 is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate.

Across England and Wales, more than 44,000 deaths involving Covid-19 were provisionally registered up to May 30.

Of those, 36% occurred outside hospital – the majority in care homes.

Although statistics show weekly Covid-19 fatalities across the UK are falling, scientists say the high overall death rate is because the epidemic started earlier than predicted, with care homes poorly protected.

A Public Health England review into disparities around the risk of coronavirus has identified age as the biggest factor, with pensioners aged 80 or older 70 times more likely to die from Covid-19 than those under 40.

Professor Neil Ferguson, of Imperial College London, told the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee he was “shocked” at how badly care home populations were protected globally.

He said: “I am shocked about how badly European – or countries around the world – have protected care home populations.

“If we had done a better job of reducing transmission in closed institutions like hospitals and care homes, we would have a little bit more room.

“The infections in care homes and hospitals spilled back into the community.”

The data shows that the number of deaths involving coronavirus in England and Wales reached its lowest weekly level for seven weeks towards the end of last month.

There were 2,589 deaths involving coronavirus in England and Wales registered in the week ending May 22.