Increased risk of death in COVID-19 hospital admissions during the second wave as compared to the first epidemic wave: a prospective, single-centre cohort study in London, UK.

Although crude mortality rates dropped during the second wave, the multivariable analysis suggests a higher underlying risk of death for COVID-19 admissions in the second wave. These findings are ecologically correlated with an increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/1 (alpha). Availability of improved management, particularly dexamethasone, was important in reducing risk of death.