Coronavirus: Male chefs among those most likely to die with COVID-19, says Office of National Statistics

Male chefs, security guards, taxi drivers, plant processing workers and construction workers are among those with the highest coronavirus death rates, data shows.

According to Sky News, The Office of National Statistics (ONS) said the death rate was 35.9 per 100,000 among male chefs and the highest rate of deaths was among male security guards (45.7 deaths per 100,000).

It was 36.4 deaths per 100,000 among male taxi drivers and chauffeurs and 26.4 deaths per 100,000 among male bus and coach drivers. By contrast, for all males of working age (20-64 years old), the rate is 9.9 deaths per 100,000, with 5.2 deaths per 100,000 females.

The figures calculated by the ONS are based on coronavirus deaths in England and Wales registered up to April 20. The ONS said its analysis "does not prove conclusively that the observed rates of death involving COVID-19 are necessarily caused by differences in occupational exposure".

Figures had been adjusted for age, but not for other factors such as ethnic group and place of residence. The findings could change as more deaths are registered, the ONS added.

Healthcare roles dominate the list of occupations most exposed to the virus. Among them are dental nurses, paramedics, nurses and doctors. Lower ranking prison officers, opticians, vets and residential wardens also make the list for raised exposure.

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