Coronavirus (COVID-19) roundup: 11 May 2020

ONS have published new analysis of COVID-19 deaths in England and Wales by occupation (up to 20 April).

Separately, they have looked at occupations with potential exposure to COVID-19, using estimates of exposure to disease (generally) and physical proximity to others. Some of the main points include:

• Men and women working in social care – including care workers and home carers – had significantly higher rates of deaths involving COVID-19 compared with those of the same age and sex in the general population

• The highest rates of deaths involving COVID-19 were seen among male low-skilled workers such as security guards (45.7 deaths per 100,000 men), followed by taxi drivers and chauffeurs (36.4 deaths per 100,000)

• Healthcare workers are among those most likely to be exposed to COVID-19 because of physical proximity and exposure to disease in general, though this may be mitigated by the use and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Three in four workers (75%) in occupations requiring frequent contact with people, and exposure to disease, are women

Read the roundup