Weekly COVID-19 deaths in Ohio surpass same-week 2019 cancer deaths, nearly equal heart disease

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – New analysis by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio has found that, for the past two weeks, the weekly deaths of people with COVID-19 in Ohio have surpassed all cancer deaths during the same weeks in 2019 and are nearly as high as heart disease, the first and second leading causes of death in the state last year. 

Since the first deaths of Ohioans with COVID-19 were reported in March, the number of people dying with the virus has been comparable to many of the leading causes of death in previous years, such as drug overdose deaths, motor vehicle crashes, stroke and diabetes, kidney disease and suicide. 

A spike in reported COVID-19 deaths beginning in early November, however, has made COVID-19 the second leading cause of death compared to 2019 data (see graphic). Last week (week ending Dec. 5), Ohio reported 568 deaths for people with COVID-19. During the same week in 2019, 584 people died from heart disease and 476 from cancer. For the week that ended yesterday (Dec. 13), Ohio recorded 531 deaths from COVID-19, compared to 581 for heart disease and 472 for all cancers in 2019. 

“While there is understandable optimism about the arrival of vaccines, Ohioans need to remember that this virus remains very dangerous and we will all need to continue to wear masks, maintain physical distancing and practice good hygiene habits in the coming months until the infection rate begins to fall,” said HPIO President Amy Rohling McGee. 

For any questions about the analysis, or if you would like to talk with HPIO President Amy Rohling McGee or HPIO Director of Data Management and Analysis Zach Reat, please call or text Nick Wiselogel at 614.530.9918 or email nwiselogel@hpio.net.