Victorians were more likely to die from Covid than anything else in 2022
Covid killed more Victorians in 2022 than crashes on our roads, suicides, drownings and homicides combined.
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For every person who died on Victorian roads in 2022, 20 more died from Covid-related causes.
Almost 5000 Victorians died from Covid last year, prompting renewed calls from health officials for people to take protections seriously.
Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton said in the first week of January 2023, there had been more than 100 Covid-related deaths.
“This shows an 8.4 per cent increase in daily deaths over the past month, compared to November,” he said.
Of the 108 deaths, 44.3 per cent of people were unvaccinated.
“Victoria is also likely to see an increase of infection rates in the next figures, due to the increase in large family and social gatherings over the holiday season,” Mr Sutton said.
“If you feel sick before a social gathering, get tested. Protecting yourself is the best way to protect you and the community.”
Despite this, all state run testing centres were closed on December 31, 2022.
The 2022 Covid toll is 20 times that of the road toll, where 240 people were killed.
Comparing the Covid toll to other data from around the state, more than 620 people died from suspected suicide between January and October, while Victoria Police say almost 200 people were victims of homicide.
More than 50 people drowned in Victoria’s oceans, rivers and waterways.
With the horrific Covid death toll revealed, Victorians are being urged to follow guidelines for social gatherings, including hosting them outside when possible and keeping homes well ventilated with windows and doors open.
If someone does contract Covid, they are recommended to isolate for at least five days, or until they have no symptoms.
To find out how many people in your postcode have tested positive to Covid each week, click here and for more information and advice on how to reduce your exposure to Covid, click here.
IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW NEEDS MENTAL HEALTH HELP
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
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