Death rates fall in Australia – despite, or because of, COVID

Australia recorded a huge drop in flu and pneumonia deaths last year, largely due to COVID-19 measures, Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show. 

Just two people in Australia died from influenza between late April and November last year, and deaths from respiratory issues were 2500 lower than the 2015-19 average. 

“These figures show what a deadly disease the flu is in a normal year,” Dr Khorshid told The Australian. 

“To have just two flu deaths recorded between April and November is extraordinary. 

“We can see that record influenza vaccinations, combined with better social distancing and improved hygiene practices, have saved lives 

“These are lessons we must hold on to in the post-COVID world.” 

Overall, there were 126,974 certified deaths in Australia between January 1 and November 24 last year, compared to a baseline average of 127,872 over the past five years. That figure includes the 909 Australians who died of COVID-19.