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Record low mortality rates so far in 2026, says CMI

9 July 2026

The Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI) publishes frequent mortality analysis for England & Wales through its mortality monitors. Today’s update covers death registrations to 26 June 2026. 

The key points are:    

  • Overall mortality rates in the first half of 2026 were lower than in any previous first half of the year for males and females.
  • There were around 40,300 deaths involving influenza or pneumonia registered in the first half of 2026, lower than the range of 47,700 to 51,500 seen in the first halves of 2023 to 2025.
  • There were around 800 deaths recorded in the first half of 2026 as involving COVID-19, compared to 11,700, 5,300 and 2,300 in the first halves of 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Steve Bale FIA C.Act, Chair of the CMI Mortality Projections Committee, said: “Mortality for the first half of the year is at record lows in 2026 for all age groups considered in the mortality monitor, helped by continuing lower flu and pneumonia deaths.” 

All mortality monitor updates are publicly available on the mortality monitor page.