Story perspectives

Study Reveals 155,000 Uncounted COVID Deaths, Highlighting Inequities

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study published in Science Advances estimates about 155,000 COVID-19 deaths were uncounted in 2020–2021, roughly 16% of the toll.
The uncounted deaths disproportionately affected minority communities, especially in southern states.
The research cites flaws in the U.S. death investigation system.
The official death toll stands at about 1.24 million.
Undercounting persisted during the Omicron wave, underscoring inequities in healthcare access and the need for further research.

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Story summary

A study published in Science Advances estimates about 155,000 COVID-19 deaths were uncounted in 2020–2021, roughly 16% of the toll.
The uncounted deaths disproportionately affected minority communities, especially in southern states.
The research cites flaws in the U.S. death investigation system.
The official death toll stands at about 1.24 million.
Undercounting persisted during the Omicron wave, underscoring inequities in healthcare access and the need for further research.