Which parts of Sunderland were hit hardest by COVID?

The Office for National Statistics data – shows people living in less well off areas are more likely to die from the disease compared to those in more affluent parts of the city.

In the 12 months from March last year, 754 people in Sunderland died due to Covid-19 – 286 per 100,000 people.

The areas with the highest number of deaths were Hetton-le-Hole North with 53 deaths due to Covid-19, Houghton West (39) and Southwick (39)

The areas with the fewest deaths were Albany and Blackfell (6), Barnes Park (7) and Fulwell, Millfield and Oxclose and Lambton, with nine.

The Institute of Health Equity said people in deprived areas were more likely to be unable to work from home and to be living in crowded accommodation.

Senior advisor Peter Goldblatt said: "Earlier and stricter lockdown would have saved lives disproportionately in deprived areas.

"However, to do this effectively would have required greater support to key workers and those in the gig-economy – a more generous and wider furlough scheme and other safety measures in the workplace, community and while travelling to and from work."

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our condolences go out to everyone who has lost a loved one.

"We have some of the highest vaccine uptake rates in the world but are going further, and recently publishing detailed plans so people from all communities get the right information to protect themselves and their loved ones."