THE latest government statistics have shown a reduction in the number of Covid-19 deaths in Devon and Cornwall.

The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics on Tuesday, relate to all deaths that occurred between April 25 and May 1 registered up to May 9.

Sixty-two deaths with Covid-19 on the death certificate were registered in that time period, including 30 in care homes, 30 in a hospital, and two at home.

The previous week saw 82 deaths — six of which in fact occurred earlier but were registered after April 25 when the previous figures were released.

Of the latest deaths, 20 were registered in Cornwall, nine in East Devon, eight in Plymouth, seven in Torbay, five in North Devon, four in West Devon, three in Exeter and Teignbridge, two in Torridge, one in Mid Devon, and none in the South Hams and the Isles of Scilly.

There were 30 deaths in care homes, down from 45 the previous week, with nine in Cornwall, eight in East Devon, four in Torbay, three in Plymouth, two in Exeter, one in North Devon, Torridge, Teignbridge and West Devon. Two home deaths were registered with one in Torbay and one in West Devon.

The ONS says 419 people in Devon and Cornwall have died since the start of the year up until May 9 in which Covid-19 is registered on the death certificate.