Story perspectives

U.S. COVID Deaths May Be 20% Higher, Study Finds

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Boston University study finds the U.S. COVID-19 death toll may be 20% higher than reported, totaling 995,787 deaths by December 2021.
Researchers identify 155,536 unrecognized deaths, disproportionately affecting minority communities.
The study notes systemic inequities in the death investigation system, especially in the southern United States where the gap reached 31%.
The findings attribute undercounting to structural racism, classism, and ableism and call for policy changes.

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Story summary

A Boston University study finds the U.S. COVID-19 death toll may be 20% higher than reported, totaling 995,787 deaths by December 2021.
Researchers identify 155,536 unrecognized deaths, disproportionately affecting minority communities.
The study notes systemic inequities in the death investigation system, especially in the southern United States where the gap reached 31%.
The findings attribute undercounting to structural racism, classism, and ableism and call for policy changes.