Latest ONS deaths data (to week ending 27 November) has been released.

2,099 more deaths were recorded in-week compared to the 5-year average. That’s 20% higher.

Year to date there have been 554,919 deaths recorded, which is 13% more deaths than the 5-year average (2015-19).

There are 3,040 deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate this week. However, this was partially offset by deaths from other causes being significantly below normal levels.

Numbers are for England and Wales only and are 11-17 days old.

COVID-19 deaths have increased week-on-week once again, with only a partial offsetting impact from other causes.

We are continuing to see significant excess deaths in the second wave, though the number of excess deaths in-week has not increased this week.

ONS have again included analysis to address the myth that flu and pneumonia kill more than COVID.

COVID was the cause of death for nearly 9 out of 10 deaths “with COVID”.

In contrast, flu or pneumonia was the cause of death for only 1-in-10 deaths “with flu or pneumonia”. https://twitter.com/ons/status/1336242789869350912

The best way to compare 2020 to earlier years is to examine age-standardised death rates.

Comparing death counts can be distorted slightly by ageing and growth of the population.

The CMI are reporting weekly using this method. Their Mortality Monitor is due out later today.