Covid-19: Death toll rises to six

Tuesday 14 April 2020

The number of deaths in Jersey linked with covid-19 has risen to six.

According to officials, the latest three deaths relate to both individuals who were in the care of the Health Department, as well as in the community.

They did not confirm when they passed away.

“I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and offer my reassurance that Government is doing everything in its power to manage the outbreak to save as many lives as possible," the Health Minister, Deputy Richard Renouf, commented.

Health officials said that official coronavirus death figures will not only include individuals confirmed to have the illness, but also those suspected to have died with it if it is listed on their death certificate.

The latest update, as of Tuesday 14 April at 7.30pm:

1,592 confirmed negative
217 confirmed positive
41 pending
6 people who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have sadly died. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/ezotz9kHtJ

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) April 14, 2020

The approach, they said, is in line with UK Office of National Statistics Methodology.

In some instances, however, such as if an inquest is needed to establish the cause of death, it may be weeks or months before a local death is officially linked with covid-19.

Officials added that they would not be differentiating between individuals whose deaths were directly caused by covid-19 or those with underlying conditions for whom it may have been a contributing factor.