Broadband access associated with fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths

The mortality rate from COVID-19 was about 50% lower in U.S. counties with higher internet access in the summer and early fall of 2020. A new University of Michigan study found that broadband connection was a key factor in reducing mortality and incidence during the early months of the pandemic. The average county with high internet access had 48%-53% fewer new COVID-19 deaths and 19%-34% fewer new COVID deaths per 100,000 residents than the average county with low internet access. The research also showed that residents of counties with high internet access reported slightly higher rates of mask-wearing in July 2020 and fewer new COVID-19 cases were reported in counties with higher internet access in July-October of that year. The study adds to growing evidence that internet access is a critical “social determinant of health,” especially during public health crises.