WHO: COVID-19 death toll nearly 15 million, over double previous estimate

New figures from the World Health Organization Thursday estimate that around 14.9 million people died "directly or indirectly" from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, more than double the previously reported death toll.

The estimate is focused around "excess mortality" as a result of COVID-19, meaning deaths caused directly by the virus and indirect deaths, such as people with cancer unable to receive treatment due to overcrowded hospitals. The lack of "reliable" death reporting methods in certain countries contributed to the rise, the WHO said.