Arriving at a particular definition of a COVID-19 death has been contentious. There may be direct COVID-19 deaths, virus-related deaths and excess deaths most likely due to it.
Arriving at a particular definition of a COVID-19 death has been contentious. There may be direct COVID-19 deaths, virus-related deaths and excess deaths most likely due to it. Having a clear definition of a COVID-19 death is important from a public health perspective so that appropriate public health strategies can be devised. In this discussion with Newsclick editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha, professor Satyajit Rath, an immunologist and adjunct faculty at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, explains what is a COVID-19 death and how a multifaceted, decentralised, people-centric healthcare system is fundamental.