Deaths averted by measures against COVID-19

“We find that across 11 [European] countries 3.1 (2.8–3.5) million deaths have been averted owing to interventions since the beginning of the [COVID-19] epidemic.”

This article deals with the effects of measures against COVID-19 in eleven European countries, between February and May 2020. It is estimated that between 12 and 15 million individuals were infected during that time. The results further show, based on models, that non-pharmaceutical interventions* are important to reduce transmission.

* Such as keeping distance, wearing face masks, but no vaccines.