Covid Tasmania: Virus hitting older Tasmanians, who bear the brunt of the infection

The latest Covid data shows older Tasmanians are bearing the brunt of the infection as deaths continue to rise. See how to minimise the risks.

There have been at least 72 Covid-19 related deaths in Tasmania so far this year, with the majority in people aged over 80, who are eight times more likely to die from the infection, according to health department figures.

The Department of Health’s fortnightly Respiratory Surveillance Report showed six Tasmanians aged between 40–64 died with Covid, while there were 22 deaths in people aged 65–79 and 44 involving those aged 80 and over.

The report covers the period from January 1 to July 30 this year.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said that, as in other states, the risk of serious illness and death from Covid in Tasmania “increases steeply among older persons”.

“In Tasmania in 2023, compared to all ages, those aged 65–79 years were twice as likely to die from their Covid infections while those over 80 years were eight times more likely to die from a Covid infection,” he said.

“It is important to remember that more than 99 per cent of Covid cases aged 65–79 years survive their infection, as do more than 97 per cent of notified cases aged 80 years and older.

“Immunisation and early treatment save lives.

Tasmanian Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch. Picture: Chris Kidd

“If you have not had a Covid vaccine or illness this year, boosters are widely available at GPs and most local pharmacies.”

Since the pandemic started 306 Tasmanians have died with Covid.

The surveillance report says the prevalence of both Covid and influenza has decreased in recent weeks.

There have been 21,338 Covid cases this year or less than one per 1000 Tasmanians.

So far, 1104 people were admitted to hospital including 35 to intensive care.

“The trends indicate a continued decrease in Covid activity over the last two months,” the report said.

Dr Veitch said getting a winter Covid booster, and having a testing and treatment plan with your GP, were particularly important for people aged over 65 or those at greater risk of severe illness.

Virologist Professor Tony Cunningham said research had shown that the risk of dying from Covid grew twenty-fold for people in their 80s, seven-fold for people aged 70–80 and six–fold for those aged 60-70.

“The focus has got to be those over the age of 60s and 70s and particularly those who are in aged care facilities. You’ll see a lot of older people still having masks on,” he said.

Epidemiologist Peter Collignon said the new data was similar to how influenza impacted deaths in 2017.

“(Over 80s) are much more likely to have other health issues,” he said.