CDC: NYC deaths up 75% during pandemic

Deaths were 75% higher than usual in New York City between March 11 and May 2, with most of the estimated 24,172 increase likely due to COVID-19, according to a report by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 cases accounted for 57% of the increase and probable cases for 21% of the increase, while the rest might have been directly or indirectly attributable to the pandemic, the authors said. "COVID-19–associated mortality is higher in persons with underlying chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, and deaths in persons with these chronic health conditions might not be recognized as being directly attribut¬able to COVID-19," they note. "In addition, social distancing practices, the demand on hospitals and health care providers, and public fear related to COVID-19 might lead to delays in seeking or obtaining lifesaving care."