THREE more residents at care homes in York have sadly lost their lives to Covid-19, the latest figures confirm.

The data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that there have been 17 deaths related to the virus at care homes in York so far in 2021.

The data is registered up until February 6.

The data was supplied to the ONS by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Care providers today urged further caution as the death toll in care and nursing homes almost hit 2,000 in a week.

Today’s figures from the ONS show that 1,971 people died from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes in the week up to January 29 – up from 1,817 the week before.

According to these figures 26,680 people died from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes between December 28 last year and January 29.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) today said the need to remain vigilant against Covid-19 was clear.

ICG Chair, Mike Padgham, said: “Whilst we pray that these numbers will soon start to fall, we cannot forget that Covid-19 is still taking a terrible toll amongst the most vulnerable.

“This second wave has been every bit as devastating as the first and we cannot let up in our fight against coronavirus.

“People are starting to talk about routes out of Covid-19 and the lockdowns, but for those caring for our oldest and most vulnerable, we are still at a critical point in this fight.

“The vaccine is now playing its part but until everyone is protected, we have to keep observing the rules and keeping everyone safe.”