New data reveals coronavirus death toll is 9,000 more than official government figures
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The ONS figures show that there were 39,071 deaths involving Covid-19 in England and Wales up to May 8 (and which were registered up to May 16).
This compares with 29,349 deaths of people testing positive for Covid-19 reported by the Department of Health and Social Care for the same period.
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Hide AdIt means the UK's actual death toll was more than 9,000 higher than the official government figure.
ONS figures include all mentions of Covid-19 on a death certificate, including suspected Covid-19, and are based on the date that deaths occurred.
The Department of Health figures are based on when deaths were reported, and are for deaths where a person has tested positive for Covid-19.
The news has confirmed fears that the overall death toll is significantly higher than figures being published by the government.
In the Lancashire County Council areas there have now been 4,284 confirmed cases.
The latest totals for the three in Lancashire are:
Lancashire - 3,351
Blackpool - 547
Blackburn - 386