Sheffield's Covid death rate falls sharply as lockdown and vaccinations take effect

Thirteen people across the city sadly died during the week ending February 23 – the latest date for which reliable figures are available – having tested positive for coronavirus within the past 28 days.

That’s down from 31 deaths the previous week and 50 during the seven days to January 12, the first full week of the latest lockdown.

The 18 Sheffield neighbourhoods with the most Covid vaccinations among under-70s

Health experts say the current restrictions have been instrumental in reducing the death rate nationally.

But there is growing confidence that vaccinations are starting to reduce the number of people ending up in hospital or dying.

Sheffield’s director of public health Greg Fell said last week there were ‘lots of encouraging signs’ that those who have had their jab are at significantly reduced risk of falling seriously ill with Covid-19.

Health chief explains why this Sheffield neighbourhood has one of the lowest vaccination rates in England

But he reminded people they still needed to take care and stick to the rules, especially with so many people still waiting for their first jab.

The latest figures show that across England more than 17 million people have had their first vaccine dose, with nearly 600,000 having had their booster shot.

Below is the breakdown of weekly deaths in Sheffield within 28 days of a positive test for Covid, showing how the number of fatalities has fallen since the beginning of the year.

February 17-23: 13

February 10-16: 31

February 3-9: 35

January 27-February 2: 43

January 20-26: 42

January 13-19: 48

January 6-12: 50

December 30-January 5: 39