There was a total of 2,905 deaths in English care homes involving coronavirus, up to 17 April, the Office for National Statistic (ONS) has revealed.

But the figures are set to rise dramatically, with Care Quality Commission figures showing an additional 2,375 COVID-19 related deaths in the week from 18-24 April. CQC figures show a total 4,343 deaths up to 24 April.

Overall, the care homes saw 7,316 deaths in the week to 17 April, 2,389 higher than the previous week.

The ONS figures reveal a total of 21,284 people had died of coronavirus in England and Wales, up to 17 April – compared with the 13,917 reported for England and 534 for Wales by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Of the deaths registered in week sixteen (the week ending 17 April), the ONS reports 39.3% mentioned COVID-19, rising to 55.5% in London, 42.3% in the North West and 41/1% in the North East.

A total of 77.4% of COVID-19 deaths were in hospitals, with the rest in care homes, private homes and hospices.