In the years 2020 and 2021, a total of 2239 Australians died in Covid. From 2022 until 1 May, a total of 5011 died even though the death rate is much lower as Omicron has dramatically exploded the number of infected cases. So, we have accustomed to less severe pandemic deaths with most Australians vaccinated but gaining more and more infections leading to herd immunity. And society is going back to normal with masks and all the restrictions go in our daily lives.
It is sad to see the continued rise in the number of deaths in Covid with many of them being unvaccinated. The Australian government and the whole world are starting to forget Covid since it is practically impossible for people to continue putting attention to the decreased death rate in a vaccinated society. We see that the tracing of contacts and isolation for close contacts are now history. Lives in Australia are starting to become normal.
But we must still be attentive.
Bill Gates and other leaders warned that greater disasters would still be possible if we keep on neglecting our environment. More research and effort to improve health conditions around the world should be a priority. We have spent too much on getting the fastest broadband or virtual reality without looking at how to improve our existing issues with nature. We care too little about infectious disease, climate change, and poverty around the world.
Yes, Covid is now more settled in Australia. However, there is a great proportion of the world still unvaccinated. Poort countries that cannot afford vaccines are still waiting for donations from rich countries to support their fighting against Covid.
Misinformation about vaccination is another challenge. The battle with Covid-19 is also an information war that we need to fight against. Too many people should not have lost their lives if they have been well informed.
It is time for Australia and the world to face these challenging issues.