Potential life years lost to COVID-19 in 17 countries during the pandemic period, up to August 2020

ConclusionsSouth America, and males were found to be the most affected by COVID-19. Ongoing monitoring of the COVID-19 mortality impact is essential in order to assess health system performances, control measures, and identify vulnerable populations. Differences in mortality burden among populations will help public health officials in their efforts to minimize the COVID-19 mortality burden on a local, and on a global level.Key messagesUp to August 2020, COVID-19 was a cause of premature mortality in all the participating countries, with South America and males to be more affected.The timing of the pandemic, seasonal trends, the control measures enforced, and underlying social conditions are probable explanations for the differences observed among countries.
Source: The European Journal of Public Health - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research