Demographic and territorial characteristics of COVID-19 cases and excess mortality in the European Union during the first wave

• DOI: 10.1007/s12546-021-09263-3
• Publication Date: 2021-05-29T12:03:39Z
• Authors: Anne Goujon; Fabrizio Natale; Daniela Ghio; Alessandra Conte
• Keywords: Pandemic; Case fatality rate

This article explores for a large number of countries in the European Union (plus United Kingdom) main demographic differentials positive tested COVID-19 cases and excess mortality during first wave 2020, accounting differences at territorial level, where population density size play role diffusion effects disease terms morbidity mortality. knowledge complements refines epidemiological information about spread impact virus. For this analysis, we rely on descriptive exploration (1) data from The Surveillance System (TESSy) database developed Centre Disease Prevention Control (ECDC) fatality rates (2) weekly collected by Eurostat. analysis level studies changes R0-the basic reproduction number-and median mortality, across territories with different levels urbanization. unique findings study encompassing most Member States confirm define differential impacts infections fatalities pandemic 2020. is important stakeholders Union, national sub-national charge designing containment measures adaptation policies future anticipating rebound certain segments medical economic needs.