Changes in characteristics of drug overdose death trends during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background and Aims: There are limited reports analyzing opioid overdose (OD) mortality data during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is also great heterogeneity in outcomes across states, necessitating assessments of the effects of COVID-19 on OD deaths on a state-by-state level. This report aims to analyze overall trends in OD deaths in Massachusetts during COVID-19. Design: Using individual-level death records in Massachusetts, we identified and analyzed OD mortality trends during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to 2018 and 2019. We analyzed the period between March 24 (stay-at-home order in 2020) and August 11 (latest reliable data). We also estimated the correlation between OD deaths and COVID-19 case fatality rates at the county level. Setting: Massachusetts. Participants: A total of 2,342 OD deaths were analyzed. Measurements: The outcomes studied were OD deaths and COVID-19 case fatality rates. Findings: OD deaths involving cocaine and amphetamines increased from 2019 to 2020, by 20% (276 vs. 330; P