There were 10,290 total deaths in NYC attributed to the disease. 7,474 were accompanied by underlying conditions that are delineated below. 61 deaths had no underlying conditions. 2,755 may or may not have had underlying conditions.

If you are a female under the age of 18, the statistics show that you have a 4/10,290 (.8%) chance of dying from COVID-19, even including deaths in the age group that have unknown underlying conditions (there were 0). If you are over 75, you have a  4973/10290 (48%) chance of dying of the virus (including unknown underlying condition deaths).  This is based up stats accumulated to this date and could vary prospectively.

To conclude, the chances of dying from COVID-19 are slim until you reach the age of 45, and even then they are low if you don’t count deaths with unknown underlying conditions.

Wouldn’t it make sense for this information to be showcased widely. Consider decisions about youngsters returning to classes. There is practically no chance of a child being infected and dying from the virus. Of course, falling ill and infecting adults needs to be taken into consideration before any action is taken to open schools.

The point of this blog is that perhaps the panic button was premature and the return to normalcy, if we protect the aged and infirm, can be expedited. I will leave that ultimate decision to the experts. I just hope they are receiving the data needed to make wise decisions. The general population is certainly not being informed by anything but horror stories caused by the disease. I wonder if reporting is politically motivated.

Each day the New York City Department of Health releases demographic data on COVID-19 deaths. Overwhelmingly, those who die of COVID are aged 65+ and/or those with pre-existing health conditions, which the DOH defines as: “Diabetes, Lung Disease, Cancer, Immunodeficiency, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Asthma, Kidney Disease, and GI/Liver Disease.” Note: these demographics include “confirmed” COVID cases only, and exclude “probable” deaths.