Disparities in Excess Mortality Associated with COVID-19 — United States, 2020

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Hispanic or Latino, non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black), and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native populations have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. What is added by this report? Excess mortality incidence rates were higher for persons aged >65 years, with notable racial/ethnic disparities across all age groups. In 2020, among Black and Hispanic persons aged >65 years, >1,000 excess deaths per 100,000 person-years occurred compared with the number of deaths expected to occur. What are the implications for public health practice? These findings could help guide targeted public health messaging and mitigation efforts to reduce disparities in COVID-19-associated mortality in the United States, by identifying the racial/ethnic and age groups with the highest excess mortality rates.