Australia
Australia's death rate fell almost 6% during the 2020-2021 pandemic period with 497 deaths per 100,000 people compared to an average of 528.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2015-2019, according to Australian research - conducted by MP Andrew Leigh the current Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury. The study found that the largest drop in death rates was for respiratory disease, especially for influenza and pneumonia, although there were also drops in deaths from cancer and heart disease, The study also used Google mobility data and that evidence suggests that the drop in deaths tracked with reductions in movement outside the home. The authors say this shows that government lockdowns and social distancing appear to have significantly reduced overall mortality at least in the short term, which may help shape future public policy.
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