The Influence of Age and Sex on Excess Mortality in the Netherlands During the 2020 Corona Virus Pandemic

Abstract

Background: There are currently no data available on the combined age and sex effect on excess mortality caused by the 2020 corona virus pandemic. Such figures could be used to decide where preventive measures would be most effective. Methods: Data on population composition and mortality from 1995 to week 19 of 2020 were retrieved from the Statistics Netherlands website. From these the expected number of deaths for each week was calculated using linear methods. Findings: The total number of excess deaths as calculated here is in line with other estimates. Excess mortality is mainly found in the 65+ age group, especially in males. Interpretation: Preventive measures aimed at the relatively small 65+ age group could have a major effect on the overall excess mortality and on the burden to the health care system. Funding: This work was not funded in any way.Declaration of Interests: None.