COVID-19 third leading cause of death in Australia as cases increase for eighth-straight week

COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in Australians in 2022 as case numbers of the virus rise across the country for the eighth straight week.

More than 20,000 additional people died last year than would have if there had been no pandemic, according to figures released by the Actuaries Institute.

The data shows Australia recorded 10,300 deaths directly attributed to COVID-19 last year, compared to 1400 deaths in 2021, when the virus was listed as the 34th leading cause of death.

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This week most states and territories have recorded an increase in their weekly coronavirus numbers and deaths.

It is important to note that these are only cases recorded by health departments.

Individuals are expected to self-report positive rapid test results, however, there is no way to police this data collection.

Here is the current state of play.

New South Wales

In the week to April 6, the state recorded 9876 new cases and 36 deaths.

This is an increase of 192 cases and 11 deaths.

The deaths reported this week may have taken place before this reporting period as there can be a delay in causes of death being passed on to NSW Health.

There are 952 people in hospital and 20 people in ICU - which has also increased compared to the previous week.

Victoria

There have been 5772 new cases in the past week which is a 10 per cent increase from the previous week.

There were 25 deaths.

Currently, 183 people are hospitalised with the virus and nine people are in ICU.

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Hospitalisation and ICU numbers have only increased slightly on the previous week.

Queensland

In the past week, there have been 3953 new COVID-19 cases which is an 8 per cent increase on the previous week.

Twelve people died with the virus.

There are 231 people in hospital and seven people in ICU.

South Australia

There are 2719 new COVID-19 cases in South Australia which is a decrease from last week when the state reported more than 3000 infections.

Five people died with the virus.

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South Australia no longer reports the number of people hospitalised with COVID-19.

Western Australia and the Northern Territory's COVID-19 update is yet to be released.

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