Proposals to compile accurate statistics of coronavirus related deaths in Calderdale

Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift told members of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet, which met for the first time in virtual form this week via the authority’s YouTube channel, that compiling accurate statistics was being considered.

A member of the public, Jenny Shepherd, had asked in a question submitted for the Public Question Time item at the meeting if Calderdale figures included people who had died in care homes or in the community.

Coun Swift (Lab, Town) said different figures were published at slightly different times but he agreed it would be helpful if the council could compile a figure which could be shared with the public at least on a weekly basis which was “robust and reliable.”

The Government’s daily COVID-19 figure covers people who have died in hospitals.

The Council’s Director of Adult Services and Wellbeing, Iain Baines, also told media in the borough it was important to remember that behind each death was a person with family and friends.