Some people comment on the difference between the COVID-19 fatality rates in Australia and New Zealand, asking why the death rate in Australia is much higher.
I wonder if they look at the rate or just the total number. The numbers will be higher as Australia has a much higher population, about 5 times as many people.
Statistics at 16th April 2020:
- Australia has had 63 deaths from a population of 25.5 million.
- New Zealand has had 9 deaths from a population of 4.8 million.
This works out at a Covid-19 fatality rate of:
- Australia 2.47 deaths per million.
- New Zealand 1.88 deaths per million.
However, Australia has had 26 deaths from Cruise ships, almost half of all deaths.
If these were removed, the figures would be:
- Australia 37 deaths from a population of 25.5 million.
- New Zealand 9 deaths from a population of 4.8 million.
This works out at a Covid-19 fatality rate of:
- Australia 1.45 deaths per million.
- New Zealand 1.88 deaths per million.