MORE than 17 per cent of care home deaths in the BCP Council area over the space of nine months involved Covid-19, figures show.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows, between April 10, 2020, and January 22, 2021, 1,069 people died in care homes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Of these deaths, 191 “involved Covid-19”, equating to 17.87 per cent.

Most recently, 61 people died in care homes across the conurbation in the seven days leading up to and including January 22.

This included 14 people on January 20, 13 on January 19 and 12on January 21.

The first death in a care home involving Covid-19 in BCP, that the data shows, came on April 12, when two people died.

In the Dorset Council area, 920 people died in care homes between April 10, 2020, and January 22, 2021.

And 123 of these involved Covid-19, equating to 13.37 per cent.

In the week leading up to January 22, 31 deaths were recorded, including eight on January 21 and five on January 19.

The first death, that ONS data shows, came on April 10, when one person died.

Jane Horne, consultant in public health at Public Health Dorset, said: “Covid-19 can cause more serious illness in older people, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, so we sadly have seen deaths related to Covid-19 in care homes in Dorset.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been working closely with the care sector and local authorities to make sure all necessary measures are in place to protect care home residents and staff.

“This includes ensuring good access to personal protective equipment and full infection prevention and control training. Care homes carry out routine testing for staff and residents to identify and isolate positive COVID cases.

“In line with the national guidance, care home residents and their carers are being prioritised in the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination in Dorset.”