Max Hatzoglou
The tragedy of the Omicron wave in Brimbank has been revealed, with 65 deaths across the municipality since December last year – the highest in the state.
Department of Health data shows Brimbank recorded the highest number of deaths of people with or due to COVID-19 between December 8, 2021 and February 21, 2022.
The municipality accounted for about 7 per cent of the state’s COVID-19 deaths during the reporting period.
Across the state, 943 deaths were recorded during this period.
The Department of Health said that 8 per cent of Victorians who died with COVID-19 between December 8, 2021 and February 21, 2022 had received their third dose.
Thirty-seven per cent were not vaccinated with at least two doses and about 33 per cent were unvaccinated, the department said.
More than 87 per cent of people who died with COVID-19 in the reporting period were aged 70 and over, with males comprising more than half of the group.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 over the course of the pandemic,” a Department of Health spokesperson said.
“The data is clear that getting your third dose will significantly reduce your chances of going to hospital, going to ICU or dying from COVID-19.
“If you’re yet to get your third dose, it’s easier than ever – just walk in or book at a state-run centre, head to a participating GP or pharmacy, or drop by a pop-up vaccination clinic in your local area.”
Casey recorded the second-highest number of COVID-related deaths (56), while Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham and Melton all had 21 or less deaths recorded.
