The COVID-19 pandemic's early death toll was much higher than the official US count, according to a new study that spotlights dramatic disparities in the uncounted deaths. This revelation is deeply concerning and highlights the persistent disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, estimates that as many as 155,000 unrecognized additional deaths likely occurred in the first two years of the pandemic, bringing the total to around 840,000 reported deaths. This means that approximately 16% of COVID-19 deaths went uncounted, a startling figure that underscores the inadequacy of our current death investigation systems.
The study's findings are particularly striking because they reveal that the undiagnosed dead were more likely to be Hispanic people and other people of color, who had died in the first few months of the pandemic, and who had been in certain states in the South and Southwest, including Alabama, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. This data highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on these communities, who have historically faced systemic barriers to healthcare access.
One of the key reasons for the uncounted deaths, according to the study, is the lack of access to at-home testing early in the pandemic. While hospital patients were routinely tested for COVID-19, many who grew sick and died outside of hospitals were not tested, often because at-home testing was not readily available. This lack of testing is particularly concerning, as it means that many deaths were not accurately attributed to COVID-19, leading to undercounting.
The study also points to the role of death investigation systems in perpetuating disparities. In some parts of the country, death investigations are handled by elected coroners who don't necessarily have the specialized training that medical examiners do. This can lead to a lack of accurate counts, particularly outside of big metropolitan areas. Moreover, partisan opinions and political pressures can affect whether a sick person or their family members sought COVID-19 testing, and whether coroners pursued postmortem coronavirus testing.
The issue of death counts being swept up in COVID politics is also a significant concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data count more than 1.2 million COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic erupted in early 2020, with more than two-thirds of those reported deaths occurring in 2020 and 2021. However, false claims on social media and political rhetoric have often questioned the accuracy of these counts, adding to the rancor and confusion surrounding the pandemic.
In conclusion, the study's findings are a stark reminder of the persistent disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities. The uncounted deaths highlight the inadequacy of our current death investigation systems and the need for more equitable and accessible healthcare systems. As we continue to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, it is crucial that we address these disparities and work towards a more just and equitable society.
