published letters

One hundred and twelve deaths from Covid in a week in Victoria and not a squeak from our politicians (Sunday Age 18/6). No press conference to encourage mask wearing especially in indoor crowded places and public transport, to once again explain that if it’s 6 months since your last vaccination or infection you should have another vaccination, and no encouragement to have HEPA filters in indoor spaces.
The lowest death rate for Victoria in the last 12 months was about 20 per week in late January. Up to 10% of those infected get long Covid even with mild disease. Most deaths occur in the elderly. If the preventive measures were repeatedly encouraged the death rate might be halved. These preventable deaths are the responsibility of our politicians who refuse to lead. Their policy is ageist. Old people don’t matter. Their behaviour is morally indefensible.