Lockdown measures and COVID-19 related deaths during the first and second COVID-19 waves in Italy: A descriptive study

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of lockdown measures in Italy between the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this observational study, the total number of COVID-19 related deaths drawn by Worldometer and the COVID-19 Stringency Index (SI) were used. Descriptive statistics and student t-test were applied for comparison. Results: The number of deaths in Italy was higher during the second wave (n = 38,549) compared to the first wave (n = 34,167). During the first wave, the mean SI was significantly higher (M = 79.96, SD = 15.76) compared to the second wave (M = 67.36, SD = 14.17; t = 4.73, P < 0.001). Discussion and Conclusion: In Italy, a two-wave pattern in the reported COVID-19 during the 2020 pandemic was reported; while lockdown measures were more restrictive during the first wave, the number of COVID-19 related deaths was higher during the second wave. This could be attributable to the relaxation of social distancing measures after the end of the first wave. Our findings may provide precious information to Italian and international stakeholders to address the next waves of COVID-19 pandemic.