Statistics Iceland reported an unusually high number of deaths in the first quarter: 760 in total, or 150 more than during the same period last year. Iceland’s Chief Epidemiologist Þórólfur Guðnason says COVID-19 could be a factor. He says, however, that the numbers much be considered in context.
When looking at the numbers of monthly deaths between 2012 and 2019 on one hand, and 2020 and 2022 on the other, it comes to light that there was an increase in deaths among those 70 and older in March, but not in February. The wave of omicron infection peaked in March, as Þórólfur told RÚV. “As we have pointed out before, it seems that COVID has been an influencing factor in the deaths of many senior citizens and people with underlying illness.”
COVID restrictions likely prevented senior deaths
Þórólfur adds that it is difficult to make conclusions about COVID deaths from these numbers alone, but it is interesting to note that in the middle of 2020 and at the start and end of 2021, the number of deaths among those 70 and older was unusually low. “I think it is very likely that the measures that were in effect in 2020 and 2021 protected this age group well,” Þórólfur stated.
