April 22, 2020 4.33 pm This story is over

Three-quarters of Lincolnshire COVID-19 victims over 70

The age group is considered most at risk

Nearly three quarters of those who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Lincolnshire were over the age of 70, all of the victims had underlying health conditions.

Age and gender figures from United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust of those that have died show that the age group has seen the most deaths in the county’s hospitals.

A total of 85 patients have died in hospital while 593 have been confirmed with COVID-19.

Public health bosses have said they expect a steady increase in the death rate while hospital admissions should fall.

Relatives of those that have died have taken to The Lincolnite to pay tribute to their loved ones. You can leave yours here.

Majority of victims over 70, men in their 80s highest deaths

A total of 63 of those that have died have been over the age of 70, around 74%.

Of that number, 10 of the patients were aged over 90 and 22 were in their 70s.

But, the most deaths in hospitals have been male and in their 80s.

Table showing COVID-19 deaths in Lincolnshire by gender and age group. Data: ULHT/NHS. Table: The Lincolnite.

31 patients in that age group have died after testing positive for COVID-19, a total of 21 men and 10 women.

A woman in her 80s was confirmed as the first Lincolnshire death on March 26.

The over-70 age group is considered at risk from the virus, particularly those with underlying health conditions.

The government asked vulnerable people, which includes some over the age of 70, to stay at home and avoid face to face contact as part of lockdown measures.

26% of hospital deaths under-70

Meanwhile, just over a quarter of those that have died in Lincolnshire’s hospitals have been under the age of 70.

15 patients in their 60s have died after testing positive for COVID-19, while six of them were in their 50s.

The youngest victim of coronavirus in the county was aged 49, while the oldest was a woman aged 99.

Tony McGinty, assistant director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council. Photo: The Lincolnite

Despite the figures, public health bosses have said the rate of deaths is lower than compared with other counties.

Tony McGinty, assistant director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council, said the rate would still increase but will remain low.

“We would expect a decline in hospital admissions to come first,” he said.

“The overall level is still a steady increase and will lag behind cases.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Morgan, chief executive at ULHT said that the death rate in the county was “markedly lower” than the rest of the country.

It comes as the trust announced seven deaths yesterday (April 21), a spike in numbers compared with previous days.

Andrew Morgan, chief executive of United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

But Mr Morgan said the confirmed deaths were not always on a “day-to-day basis”.

“The death figures are not always on a one day period,” he said.

“We have to check that we’ve tested all the patients who have sadly died and that the families consent is given.

“So figures will vary from day-to-day but if you still look at the overall death rate for Lincolnshire it is still markedly lower than the rest of the country virtually.

“There’s only one or two places that have had fewer deaths than Lincolnshire.”

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