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COVID-19: MDUK responds to news that disabled people accounted for six in 10 deaths

21 February 2021

Muscular Dystrophy UK has issued a response to the latest ONS figures that suggest close to 60% of people who died from coronavirus in England last year were disabled.

“The news that nearly six in every 10 people in England who died with coronavirus last year were disabled will be devastating for our community to hear. People with muscle-wasting conditions have frequently told us they feel ‘forgotten about’ amid the pandemic, especially for those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable and who have spent prolonged periods shielding in a bid to keep safe. Every day the MDUK helpline team responds to calls for support and advice about the Covid-19 pandemic and we will do all we can to continue providing guidance. The time is now for the government to outline how it will prioritise the health of disabled people as it plans a roadmap out of lockdown.”

Catherine Woodhead
CEO of MDUK

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