The lockdown prevented corona infections and saved an estimated millions of lives. But scientists now reveal that the lockdown prevented 800 more deaths.

The coronavirus outbreak has led to far-reaching measures in many countries. Countries were locked and everyone was expected to stay at home as much as possible. As a result, we were confined to our homes, planes parked and we got into the car much less. Not only have these lockdowns resulted in millions of fewer people dying from the coronavirus, but at the same time they have led to improved air quality. And that has also saved hundreds of human lives.

Lockdown

From March 2020, many European countries introduced measures to contain the corona virus. To prevent further spread of the virus, schools, shops and restaurants were closed and everyone had to keep 1.5 meters away. Although the lockdowns introduced have been a difficult time for many, researchers now show that it was not in vain. For example, the lockdowns prevented many corona infections and have saved more than three million lives in Europe in this way.

Preventing deaths

The team estimates that by May 4, 2020, between 12 and 15 million people in 11 European countries — Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom — were infected with the coronavirus. (between 3.2 and 4 percent of the population). They then compared the number of observed deaths with a predicted number if no lockdown measures had been taken. And this analysis shows that without corona measures, about 3.2 million more people would have died.

Decrease in NO2 emissions

But that’s not all. Because the European lockdowns surprisingly appear to have saved hundreds more lives. Because of the lockdowns, we couldn’t go to work, so we no longer had to go on the road. As a result, we got into the car less and there were also far fewer trucks and other vehicles on the road. These travel restrictions have led to a significant drop in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions.

NO2 is produced in combustion processes. This can happen in industry or in coal-fired power stations. But of course it also has to do with traffic, because petrol and diesel engines also burn and NO2 is also released.

Especially in Spanish, French and Italian cities, the NO2 concentration decreased during the lockdowns. Decreases between 50 and 60 percent were noted here. And because European air pollution has decreased so enormously, partly due to the fall in the NO2 concentration, at least 800 people have escaped premature death. Paris, London, Barcelona and Milan were among the top six cities with the highest number of avoided deaths.

Improved air quality

The findings show that measures to combat the coronavirus have also had a direct effect on air pollution levels across Europe. And we can learn something from that. “This ‘natural experiment’ has given us a glimpse of how air quality can be improved through drastic public health measures that would be difficult to implement in normal times,” said study researcher Antonio Gasparrini. “This information could be important to develop effective policies to tackle the problem of pollution in our cities.”

The researchers emphasize that the study could help shape future policy. “The study, along with similar research, could help send the message that we absolutely need to improve air quality in cities for human health and the environment,” said researcher Rochelle Schneider.