In the last week of November (week 47, 22 to 28 November 2021), an estimated 4 100 people died in the Netherlands. That is almost 1 100 more than expected. In every week of November there was excess mortality, in total about 3 500 people died more than expected for this month.
The excess mortality was the highest in Limburg. In the north of the province, 84 percent of adults are fully vaccinated and in the south 80 percent, far higher than the national average. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported this on the basis of the provisional death figures per week.
During this period the mortality was above the expected mortality and also outside the interval of usual fluctuations every week. On average, almost 900 more people died per week in November than expected, while in October there were 350.
In week 47 an estimated 2 400 people aged 80 years or older died, almost 750 more than the expected mortality for that week. This was also the case in the earlier weeks of November. In total, there were about 2 250 more deaths in the over-80s than expected.
There was also excess mortality among 65 to 80-year-olds every week in November. In week 47, an estimated 1 250 people in this age group died, over 300 more than expected. In November, more than 1 050 more people between the ages of 65 and 80 died than expected.
In week 47 there was excess mortality in people younger than 65 years. An estimated 450 people died, about 50 more than expected for this age group. Throughout November, weekly deaths were slightly higher than expected, with a total of nearly 200 more deaths in people under the age of 65 than expected. In weeks 44 and 45 there was also excess mortality in this age group.
The figures on (excess) mortality are based on the reports about the number of deaths that Statistics Netherlands receives from municipalities on a daily basis. These messages contain no information about the cause of death. Statistics Netherlands will later receive this information via a cause of death statement.
The cause of death is known for all deceased up to and including July 2021. According to these figures 31 573 people died with Covid-19 from March 2020 to July 2021, as reported by CBS on December 1.
Because not all people with Covid-19 were tested, there is no obligation to report deaths from Covid-19. This means that the actual numbers of Covid-19 deaths in the Netherlands could be higher.
