It's been three years since an unknown virus was detected in Wuhan, China. This is what happened next.
, causing stress for many Australians, especially those wanting to travel and reconnect with friends and relatives in other states.Omicron, first detected in South Africa and Botswana in early November 2021, has continued to drive large numbers of infections in the community but its impact has been less severe because of widespread vaccination and generally mild symptoms.
By 30 April 2022, Australia had one of the highest vaccination rates in the world with 83 per cent of the total population receiving two doses.By 21 December 2022, 96 per cent of people in Australia aged 16+ had had two doses, but booster rates have dropped off with only 72.4 per cent having had three doses.
This has been attributed to Australia's decision to close its borders early, lockdowns, physical distancing, mask mandates, quarantine and isolation rules. COVID-19 patients also have access to oral treatments such as molnupirovar and nirmatrelavir + ritonavir.Up until early October 2021, Australia had the second-lowest total number of confirmed cases per capita of all Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development countries. Only New Zealand had a lower rate.
Antibody studies have found around 65 per cent of adults in Australia had got COVID-19 by the end of August 2022. The infection rates in young people aged 18-29 years old were much higher, at 80 per cent, with rates gradually decreasing with age to 42 per cent among those over 70.WPA Pool/Getty Images
COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death for 85.9 per cent of these people. Another 1,162 people died of other causes such as cancer but COVID-19 was thought to have contributed to their death.
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