Excess Mortality in Dublin during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Using RIP.ie as a geographical source

Abstract

To get a more accurate picture of the significance of Covid-19 mortality in Dublin, a study was conducted to analyse notices posted in 2020 to RIP.ie relative to the previous five years. Examining monthly notices posted to RIP.ie relative to previous years also helped identify those parts of the city most affected by the disease in terms of excess mortality during the pandemic. From examination of factors that may affect levels of Covid-related mortality in Dublin, the authors have quantitatively established that social inequalities that persist throughout districts in Dublin have a statistically significant influence on mortality levels related to Covid-19. The significant relationship that exists between Covid-related mortality and area deprivation confirms that Covid-19 has differential impacts on Dublin's population depending on residential location. This suggests that approaches to combat the impacts of Covid-19 in Dublin should take into consideration the socio-economic dynamics that exist throughout the county's four authorities. One fundamental problem is that restrictions set up to effectively avoid contracting the virus automatically shield the portion of population that are socially and economically more privileged. Yet the remainder of the population that reside in more deprived districts, who are less able to adapt to restrictions, are disregarded and more likely to be seriously impacted by the effects of the virus. An additional caveat is that usage of rip.ie amongst migrant communities is not widespread and they may not be fully represented. For one worker with a stable, well-paying job, restrictions may mean working from home and being protected from the virus. For another worker, restrictions may not provide such security and they may face the choice of going to work, and increasing their risk of contracting the virus, or staying at home and sacrificing their income.