A new study from the Imperial College London has revealed that the number of deaths caused by Covid-19 in Europe is much higher than official government data suggests. The study analyzed death statistics from 21 countries, including England and Wales, and found that there were 57,000 deaths caused by the pandemic, compared to the official figure of 47,000. The discrepancy is due to additional deaths that are not being recorded, either because there was no positive Covid-19 test or because the death was caused indirectly by the pandemic, such as through an overwhelmed healthcare system or people avoiding medical treatment due to fear of infection.
The study also found that there was a significant increase in cardiovascular deaths during the pandemic. The excess mortality was calculated for 19 European countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, with Germany not included in the study. The total number of Covid-19 deaths was estimated to be 206,000 by the end of May, which is 23% higher than official figures. The degree of underreporting varied between countries, with some experiencing up to 38% excess mortality. Spain, England, and Wales had the highest excess mortality rates, with around 100 additional deaths per 100,000 people caused by Covid-19.
The study did not provide a clear explanation for the differences in excess mortality rates between countries, but the authors suggest that the timing of lockdown measures may have played a role. Countries that implemented lockdown measures earlier saw a quicker return to normal mortality rates, while those with later lockdowns experienced higher excess mortality rates for longer periods of time. The study highlights the need for accurate recording of Covid-19 deaths and the importance of healthcare systems being able to cope with the demands of the pandemic.
