Liz Kendall MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Social Care, commenting on the latest death occurrence figures in England and Wales from the Office for National Statistics today, said:

“Ministers claims to have formed a protective ring around care homes ring hollow when we see these numbers.

“These figures are still ringing alarm bells, as deaths involving Covid-19 as a percentage of all care home deaths continued to rise this week.

“The Government is still being too slow in its response. MPs have received reports of complete confusion around care home testing, with the new portal only available for care homes for over 65s and the portal not accepting care homes who try to apply.

“Ministers must give social care the resources, support and attention it needs to stop the spread of this awful virus.”