Coronavirus in Australia: Why our death rate is so low compared to other countries

In an excellent article by Benedict Brook on news.com.au, he reviewed an analysis by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) which discussed the fact that the first thousand cases of coronavirus in Australia appear different and less significant than that seen in Italy, the US and the UK — not to mention, where it started in China.

No one is suggesting that we don’t have a problem and that the significant shut down of the country and economy is not necessary for a period of time. But, it certainly is good news for the vast majority of the population.

So, why does Australia appear to have a much lower rate of cases and, in reality, an extremely low fatality rate? As I previously mentioned in an article I wrote last week, I believe the main difference is climate. We live in a very temperate climate — mild to warm summers and cool to cold winters — as opposed to the much colder areas that are now being severely affected by Covid-19. Unfortunately, we are moving into colder weather and the effects of the virus may become much more dramatic.

Over the past week, the rate of daily new cases varies between 300 to 400. No one has any real indication as to whether this will become worse as the weeks go on, stay static or decrease.

As we are being told, 80 per cent of the cases of Covid-19 are mild. But, 20 per cent are more severe and 10 per cent of people will be admitted to hospital with a small proportion requiring admission to an intensive care unit and potentially require ventilation. At present our fatality rate in Australia is well below 1 per cent and hopefully will stay that way.

No health expert can be sure of when this will end. It may be over in the next month or two, or it could even last six months. For all of our sakes, let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later. In the meantime, while we’re all at home, here are five tips to help you keep well and healthy in self-isolation:

1. Quit smoking: Smokers are at higher risk of developing a severe case of coronavirus
2. Get enough sleep: Aim for at least sevento eight hours of sleep per night
3. Eat more fruit and vegetables: Two to three pieces of fruitand five serves of vegetables every day
4. Make time to move: Exercise for at least three hours per week. I reckon that an exercise bike is the best form of indoor exercise
5. Practice mindfulness: Why not give meditation a try? There are many excellent mediation apps and online tutorials to get you started.