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Dr Layla McCay, director at the NHS Confederation, responding to data published by the ONS on COVID-19 related deaths by occupation 

“These figures demonstrate all too clearly the toll the pandemic has taken, showing in particular that carers, nurses and nursing auxiliaries and assistants, and men who work in healthcare were markedly more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population between March and December.

“This data shows how important it is to abide by lockdown restrictions while the vaccination programme is being rolled out and that national policy on PPE is adjusted as needed as we gain more evidence around the impact of new strains and whether they pose greater risks. This new information makes it clear that the virus can have dire consequences for people of working age, especially for those in roles where interaction with others is greater and risk of exposure is higher.

“It is vital that we all continue do our bit to make sure the spread is curbed, including minimising social contact, wearing face coverings, and maintaining scrupulous hand hygiene."