The government’s Covid-19 online dashboard states that there have been 13 deaths from the virus since February 15, but the number is known to be higher than this.

This is because it conflicts with the government’s weekly surveillance report, which lists 12 Covid-related deaths (and two unconfirmed Covid deaths) since June 28.

There were also four deaths in March.

The government has stated that it acknowledges the difference between the dashboard, which reports hospital deaths and those outside the hospital, and the surveillance report which is based on death registrations where Covid-19 is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate.

In addition to this, it pointed to another three deaths, which occurred mid-August, that have only just been confirmed as being Covid-related.

Speaking about these, a government spokesperson said: ’Government is aware that this figure (of three deaths) is at variance with that recorded on the dashboard for the same period. This is due to the time lag in Covid-19 being confirmed as a factor on the death notification.’

The director of public health Dr Henrietta Ewart said: ’A time delay may arise in reporting Covid-19 as a prime or contributory cause of an individual’s death, for instance where the Coroner is informed and further investigation is required.

’Among these are deaths at home, including where the patient has one or more pre-existing conditions.

’While these deaths will be subsequently included in the surveillance report, they may not have featured in reporting before that time.’

Dr Ewart added: ’Public Health’s weekly surveillance report provides access to a range of data reflecting the ongoing course of the pandemic in the Isle of Man.

’There are different approaches to reporting data, and the dashboard has not always recorded deaths which have subsequently been declared as Covid-related and therefore captured in the Public Health surveillance report.’

Lastly, the spokesperson said: ’Government recognises the concerns raised and has investigated the circumstances of the small number of deaths which have been beyond the sight of the dashboard.

’Consideration is being given as to how reporting of all Covid-19 related deaths can be made clearer in the future.’