Daventry central sees more coronavirus deaths than other parts of district

Figures from the Office of National Statistics, which break down the number of deaths involving Covid-19 to areas within local authorities, show 17 people died in Daventry central with the virus between March and June.

In these cases, coronavirus was the underlying cause or was mentioned on the death certificate as a contributory factor. At the other end of the scale, Long Buckby East and Ravensthorpe had one recorded death each, the lowest of Daventry’s 10 areas.

With large inequalities seen throughout communities across England, anti-poverty charity Turn2us urged the government to focus on levelling up neighbourhoods, not just the regions of the UK.

Deprived areas across England had death rates related to Covid-19 of more than double that of the most affluent parts – 139.6 per 100,000 compared to 63.4.

Turn2us said the figures highlighted the extreme in-equalities that affect so many people.

Sara Willcocks, head of communications at the charity, said: “We may all be weathering the same storm, but we are certainly not all in the same boat. For a society that believes in compassion, we must right these wrongs of social injustices.

“We urge the government to focus on levelling up not just regions of the UK but also our neighbourhoods.

“Everyone deserves the right to access high quality jobs, affordable housing and a strong social security system that gives people the support they need; when they need it, so local communities can thrive together.”

In Daventry, 75 people have died since the start of the pandemic, with 15 deaths linked to coronavirus in June.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said the statistics are another “grim reminder” that it is the people living in more deprived areas who are bearing the brunt of this disease.

Peter Matejic, head of evidence at the organisation, said: “It is utterly wrong that someone’s life chances are so deeply impacted by where they live.

“Already worsening before the pandemic hit, we cannot allow our record on tackling poverty and health inequalities to unravel any further.

“As we start to rebuild, the government must urgently address the structural problems that have contributed to these tragic deaths.

“We can and must do better.”

Free coronavirus testing has been taking place in Daventry this week.

It’s available today - Thursday - (drive through and walk-in) at Ford Parts Distribution Centre, Royal Oak Way South, NN11 8NT.

Tests can be booked online at nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.