Evaluating Spatial, Cause-Specific and Seasonal Effects of Excess Mortality Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Germany, 2020.

Our results suggest that increased psychosocial stress influenced the outcome of excess mortality in the most affected areas during the second lockdown, thus hinting at possible adverse effects of strict policy measures. It is essential to accelerate the collection of detailed mortality data to provide policymakers earlier with relevant information in times of crisis.