Coronavirus: 20 areas in the UK that have recorded the most Covid deaths this year

Over 15,000 people died with coronavirus in the first three months of 2022, the latest figures from the UK Government show.

There were 15,413 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test in the UK from 1 January to 30 March 2022 – the equivalent of 173 deaths a day. Not all will have died directly because of Covid.

Since the start of the pandemic there have been 165,379 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.

Despite soaring case numbers and rising hospitalisations, restrictions have largely been lifted across the UK with even lateral flow tests no longer free in England (as of 1 April).

Deaths have also been rising recently – the latest figures show a 11% increase in deaths in the seven days to 26 March when 960 were recorded, 99 more than the previous seven days.

This is based on when deaths occured, not when they were registered. Records are not yet complete for the days after 24 March.

Since the start of the year Birmingham has been the hardest hit with 250 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test being recorded – more than any other local authority in the UK. This is followed by Glasgow with 186 deaths and County Durham with 166.

Deaths relative to the size of the population tell a different story though.

Here we reveal the 20 areas in the UK which have recorded the highest coronavirus death rates per 100,000 people between 1 January and 30 March.

Images are for illustrative purposes only.