Differential COVID-19 mortality in the United States: Patterns, causes, and policy implications

This analysis explores regional variation in COVID-19 death rates across America. It unpacks the “two Americas” narrative of some parts of the country having high demand for vaccines and others having widespread vaccine hesitancy, and shows that a divide between rates of exceeds death existed prior to the introduction in vaccines. This difference is likely due to a difference in mask use, social distancing, and other behaviors. Results underscore the importance of excess mortality measures such as wastewater testing to get a more accurate picture.