Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing care home deaths linked to coronavirus have increased by more than 2,500 in a week, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“Each of these deaths is a tragedy for the families who have lost a loved one.

“It’s not too late to save lives. The rate of infection can be reduced if care workers have proper access to protective kit.

“This would help stop the virus spreading between residents or being brought in from outside.

“But this can only happen if the government and employers ensure workers get the personal protective equipment they need. Testing also needs to be rolled out rapidly.”