Deaths from alcohol abuse spiked during COVID-19 lockdowns, according to data from the UK Marianne GuenotFeb 3, 2021, 18:47 IST Alcohol misuse during COVID-19 lockdowns may have led to an increase in alcohol-related deathsSimpleImages/Getty Images Deaths linked to alcohol misuse in 2020 were up 16%, per stats from England and Wales. The causes are uncertain, but it could be related to the stress caused by the pandemic. More services are needed to support those with alcohol dependence, said one expert. The number of deaths linked to alcohol misuse spiked in much of the UK during 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic and widespread lockdowns, new data shows.