Almost 2,700 people a week have died because of the effects of the coronavirus lockdown, analysis of official data suggests.
A study by economists and academics from Sheffield and Loughborough universities suggests that more than 21,000 people have died as a result of the measures, which were introduced in March.
The analysis examines Office for National Statistics (ONS) data in the eight weeks that followed the national lockdown.
Researchers said the findings show that “lockdown has killed 21,000 people” because the policy has had “significant unintended consequences” such as lack of access to critical healthcare and a collapse in Accident and Emergency attendances.
The study examines deaths data in recent months and tracks it against long-term trends, taking account of other variables such as demographic and economic factors….