Australian death rates have fallen despite the coronavirus pandemic.
So far, COVID-19 has killed 888 people in Australia - a fatality rate of 3.3 per cent from 27,096 cases since January.
A closer reading of the overall death statistics, however, shows overall fatalities during the first six months of 2020 were lower than average, with fewer people dying of the flu, respiratory illnesses and even cancer.
Between January and June this year, 68,986 deaths were certified by a doctor.
Australian death rates have fallen despite the coronavirus pandemic. So far, COVID-19 has killed 888 people in Australia - a fatality rate of 3.3 per cent from 27,096 cases since January. Pictured are paramedics in Melbourne
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said deaths since mid May had been 'below historical averages', with more social distancing most likely reducing flu cases.
Fatality levels had also been 'below baseline minimums' since the week to June 9.
Deaths from respiratory diseases and heart diseases were below historical minimum counts throughout June.
During the first six months of this year, 225 people died from a respiratory disease, compared with the average of 293 between 2015 and 2019.
The same time period saw 41 deaths from influenza, a fraction of the 400 people who died in 2019 and the 70 who died in 2017.
Even cancer deaths have fallen, despite fears the lockdowns would discourage the sick from getting a check-up.
Between the New Year and the end of June, 23,571 people died from cancer, a level below the average of 22,954 between 2015 and 2019
Overall fatalities during the first six months of 2020 were lower than average, with fewer people dying of the flu, respiratory illnesses and even cancer as the coronavirus pandemic saw more people stay home. Pictured is a testing clinic in downtown Sydney
