One Million American Lives Lost to COVID-19

Posted in COVID-19, Senior Living

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP 
Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare

“(May 12, 2022), we mark a heartbreaking moment in this pandemic: one million American lives have been lost to COVID-19. On the heels of President Joe Biden addressing the nation about our continued fight against COVID-19, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra issued the following statement:

“The magnitude of this loss is felt every day by families missing a parent or grandparent, children who have become orphans, and everyone who has seen a loved one taken too soon — leaving them without a chance to say goodbye. This pandemic left an irreplaceable hole in our country, and underserved communities, communities of color, and frontline workers have frequently carried the heaviest burden, underscoring the inequities that we must address as we move forward. 

“Today is a reminder to take common-sense action to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safer. Get vaccinated, get boosted, get tested, and remember that for many people — including immunocompromised Americans — this pandemic is far from over. One million Americans have lost their lives, and millions more have lost their livelihoods. Our pandemic response is not over, and now is not the time to look the other way when many Americans continue to need our support and partnership. We have tools to limit COVID-19’s severity, and our work continues to ensure Americans and people across the globe can access these tools to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

The CDC COVID Data Tracker shows nearly 1 million deaths as of mid-afternoon on Sunday, May 15, 2022:

Below is a map showing the COVID-19 Death Rate in the U.S. Reported to the CDC, by State/Territory (deaths per 100,00) since January 21, 2020:

Note: Access the CDC COVID Data Tracker website then hover any State or Territory to get a snapshot of:

  • New Deaths
  • Deaths Last 7 Days
  • Deaths in Last 7 Days/100K
  • 7-Day % Positivity
  • Total Deaths
  • Total Deaths/100K

Clicking on any State or Territory takes you to the specific website for that State or Territory.

The above headline and graphic as well as additional information re: COVID-19 deaths is found in this March 24, 2022 United States Census Bureau News Release.

“Deaths in the United States increased by 19% between 2019 and 2020 following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 — the largest spike in mortality in 100 years.

And deaths remained elevated in 2021 as the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic continued, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s July 1, 2021, population estimates.

County-level estimates were released today and national estimates in December.

Prior to the pandemic, mortality patterns were predictable. Deaths had been increasing slowly but steadily. Additionally, mortality followed a seasonal trend, peaking in the winter months.

Over the past two years, COVID-19 has disrupted these patterns and it is unclear when or if the regularities of pre-pandemic mortality will return.”