"Italian COVID-19 Death Toll May Be 20,000 Higher Than Official Figures"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A study has revealed that the number of deaths from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Italy may be nearly 20,000 higher than the official figures reported by health authorities.

According to local media, the Italian National Institute of Social Security (INPS) announced on the 21st (local time) in a research report titled "Analysis of Deaths During the COVID-19 Period" that the total number of deaths in the country during the peak months of March and April was 156,429, which is 46,909 more than the average for the same period over the five years from 2015 to 2019.

The number of COVID-19 deaths officially recorded by health authorities during this period was only 27,938. The causes of death for the remaining 18,971 are unclear. However, since 18,412 of these deaths were reported in the northern region, the epicenter of the virus spread, there is speculation that they may be unofficial COVID-19 deaths.

Looking at the increase rate of deaths by region during March and April, the northern region had the highest increase at 84%, followed by the central region at 11%, and the southern region at 5%. In the north, areas with the greatest COVID-19 casualties such as Bergamo, Brescia, Cremona, Lodi, and Piacenza saw increases exceeding 200%.

As of the previous day, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported by Italian health authorities was 228,006 (an increase of 642), and the death toll was 32,486 (an increase of 156).

If all of the 18,971 excess deaths calculated by INPS, excluding the official COVID-19 death count, were classified as COVID-19 deaths, the cumulative death toll would exceed 50,000.

INPS suggested the possibility that health authorities' statistics may have underestimated the numbers, stating, "Considering that recent death numbers have been relatively stable (similar to previous years), a significant portion of the surge in deaths during March and April could be attributed to COVID-19."

INPS also added, "Among the deceased, there may be people who lost their lives because they could not receive proper treatment for underlying conditions due to the overload on the medical system."