Mortality during the first four waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Israel: March 2020–October 2021

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused four waves of infection in Israel until October 2021. Israel was the first country to offer vaccinations to all the adult population followed by boosters. This study addresses how mortality rates reflect the effects of the pandemic. Methods Total mortality rates and rates of mortality without COVID-19 deaths (non-COVID-19 mortality) between March 2020 and October 2021 were compared with the average pre-COVID-19 rates in 2017–2019 by month, population group and by age group. In addition, a cohort vaccinated at least once by 31 March 2021 was followed up for mortality in the following seven months compared to the corresponding months in 2017–2019. Results A small number of excess deaths was found in the first wave and a greater excess in the following waves. The monthly mortality rate ratio was highest in October 2020, 23% higher than the average in 2017–2019, followed by August 2021 (22%), September 2021 (20%) and September 2020 (19%). Excess mortality in the Arab population was greater than for Jews and Others, and they had 65% and 43% higher mortality in September and October, 2020, 20–44% higher mortality between December 2020 and April 2021 and 33%, 45% and 22% higher mortality in August, September and October 2021, respectively. In most months of the pandemic, the non-COVID-19 mortality rates were not significantly different from those in 2017–2019. However, between November 2020 and March 2021, they were significantly lower for the total population and Jews and Others. They were significantly higher for the total population only in August 2021, and particularly for the Arab population. Non-COVID-19 mortality was also lower for most sex/age groups over the total study period. In a cohort of 5.07 million Israeli citizens vaccinated at least once by 31 March, 2021, age adjusted and age specific mortality rates for the following 7 months were lower than the average rates in 2017–2019 for these months, Conclusion Israel has seen significant excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the Arab sector. Following lockdowns and administration of vaccinations excess mortality was reduced, and no excess mortality was seen amongst the vaccinated in the months after the vaccination campaign. These findings highlight the importance of public health measures such as mandating mask wearing and population vaccinations to control infection and reduce mortality.

Associations Between Childhood Stressors, COVID-19-Related Anxiety, and Sleep Quality of Adults During the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Israel

“…Lockdown measures, including the closure of non-essential stores and services, closure of schools, and limiting travel to a 1000-meter radius from home, were imposed for five weeks starting on December 27 2021. 47 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the unique associations of the number of ACEs, childhood harshness, and childhood unpredictability with COVID-related anxiety and sleep quality. We hypothesized that a larger number of ACEs, greater unpredictability, and greater harshness (indexed separately by exposure to morbidity-mortality and low socioeconomic status) are uniquely associated with poor sleep quality and an increase in symptoms of insomnia relative to the period before the pandemic, and that these associations are mediated by greater COVID-19-related anxiety.…”

“…As in other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel led to excess mortality, particularly for people above 55 years of age. 47 During the first two waves of the pandemic, the government mandated strict containment measures, including limiting public gatherings and celebrations, limited use of public transport, and the closing of schools. Lockdowns were imposed in April-May and September-October 2020, and some restrictions remained in effect longer.…”

“…Lockdown measures, including the closure of non-essential stores and services, closure of schools, and limiting travel to a 1000-meter radius from home, were imposed for five weeks starting on December 27 2021. 47 …”

The COVID-19 Israeli tapestry: the intersectionality health equity challenge

“…By the end of the first wave of the pandemic in Israel (June 2020), only 2,060 confirmed cases and 11 deaths were registered in the Arab society (compared to 21,285 and 297 in the Jewish society respectively) [ 19 ]. Yet, a sharp increase in morbidity and mortality was observed with the outbreak of the second and third waves (end of 2020) [ 20 ]. However, the incidence of COVID-19 in Arab society was not uniform.…”

“…Overall, throughout the pandemic, the intersection between risk factors (e.g., excess smoking and diabetes rates coupled with low socio-economic status and slower vaccine uptake among persons from Arab localities) are considered to have contributed to the overall higher excess mortality in the Arab population relative to Jews and Others, especially in the third wave an amongst older adults. [ 20 ]…”