Year 1 of COVID-19 Impact

The true impacts of the pandemic are continuing to unfold and may not be fully evidenced for some years, however national research suggests:

A worsening of existing social inequalities and increased negative health outcomes for disadvantaged groups, increased importance of local communities and voluntary organisations in providing assistance and support, pressure on revenue streams across the wider economy e.g. hospitality and leisure and increased unemployment rates and changed labour market demands.

COVID-19 impact on outcomes

Although Staffordshire’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been identified as best practice, mortality in Staffordshire is slightly higher than the national average. This is partially due to the older population in the country. As of 23 July 2021, there were a total of 2,723 deaths where COVID-19 had been recorded on the death certificate, 1,911 more deaths compared to the average for the previous five years. COVID-19 has also significantly impacted outcomes in Staffordshire regarding infant and parental health, educational attainment, excess weight, mental health and economy and employment. This section provides an overview of the national and Staffordshire-specific outcomes and trends.

An analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 has been undertaken regarding its: direct impact, indirect impact, outcomes and experiences below.