Why it matters: More evidence that the pandemic is easing
The Covid death rate has nearly halved last year as the age-adjusted figure fell to 61.3 per 100,000 from 115.6 per 100,000 in 2021. The data proves that the damage of the pandemic has eased significantly as 2022 progresses.
But the report’s authors point out that even now Covid is killing Americans in large numbers.
“Death rates have dropped significantly, but I also want to emphasize that we’re not out of the woods here,” said Dr. Robert Anderson, director of the Division of Mortality Statistics at the National Center for Health Statistics. “Many people are still dying, and there will still be deaths in 2023.”
Nearly 35,000 people have died from Covid so far this year, he added. It suggests that For example, the outbreak has caused some people to postpone health care and exacerbate other illnesses.
“As the population ages, we would expect some increase in deaths, but this is well above what would have been expected had it not been for the pandemic,” Dr Anderson said.
Background: Men and the elderly at risk
Men, adults over the age of 85, Native Americans or Alaska Natives were much more likely to die from Covid than other Americans last year. Child mortality was the lowest.
Blacks and Native Americans or Alaska Natives had the highest age-adjusted death rates from all causes. Mortality was lowest among multiethnic and Asian individuals.
Covid had a lower fatality rate last year compared to the early days of the pandemic.
Next Step: The New Normal
Dr Anderson said the number of deaths from the new coronavirus is expected to continue to decline this year, but could still exceed 100,000.
