Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

July 2, 2020

Estimation of Excess Deaths Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States, March to May 2020

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  • Weinberger et al. report that there were approximately 122,300 more deaths (95%PI, 116,800-127,000) in the US from March to May 2020 than would typically be expected. There were approximately 781,000 total deaths identified in the US during this period, including 95,235 deaths officially attributed to COVID-19. The number of excess all-cause deaths was 28% higher than the official tally of COVID-19 deaths during that period. There was substantial variability between states in the difference between official COVID-19 deaths and the estimated burden of excess deaths. 

Weinberger et al. (July 1, 2020). Estimation of Excess Deaths Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States, March to May 2020. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.3391