More than 3,000 people have lost their lives to COVID-19 in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.
Till last year, a total of 1,525 Victorians had died from COVID-19 and today this figure stands at 3,012.
Recently, hospitalisations have also slightly increased across NSW and Victoria with 1656 and 456 admissions respectively.
Australia’s death rate for COVID-19 is one of the lowest in the world – 7,000 deaths across all states and territories. However, within Australia, Victorian COVID-19 deaths account for the largest share.
The state of Victoria has shown a rate of 95 per cent for double dosed and 68 per cent for triple vaccinated. Yet, on average, 15 people are dying from COVID-19 each day in Victoria.
Christopher Hall from the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement told ABC:
“That represents families and workplaces and communities that have been permanently impacted by the death of somebody within that network.”
The majority of people who have died with the virus have been older Australians and due to COVID-19 restrictions many family members couldn’t support them in their last moments.
Meanwhile, Premier Daniel Andrews has promised “more healthcare workers and nurses to help lighten the load” at the regional hospital of Ballarat.
The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement is offering free COVID-19 bereavement support and can be reached on 1800 642 066.