Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismisses rising Covid concerns
Key Takeaways:
- Scott Morrison, Australia's Prime Minister, downplayed concerns about Covid-19, claiming that the virus was not to blame for many reported deaths and vowing not to intrude in people's lives.
- Despite a recent narrowing in the campaign, the pandemic remains a concern for the candidate, whose party is barely ahead in public polls.
- The prime minister has been criticised by the opposition for the delayed rollout of vaccines and self-administered rapid antigen tests.
Three days before federal elections, Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismissed concerns about Covid-19, arguing that many recorded deaths were not caused by the virus and vowed not to meddle in people's lives.
Australia reported 66 Covid-related deaths and nearly 53,000 infections in the last 24 hours, which is much higher than the previous six months when daily statistics revealed less than 20 deaths as well as 2,000 infections.
Infections have increased considerably with the introduction of Omicron and the relaxation of pandemic-related restrictions. Few Australians still wear masks or maintain a social distance.
"When you have case numbers at that level, people will die with Covid even if they die of many other causes," Morrison said.
"The deaths are also referred to as Covid deaths. However, this does not automatically suggest that they died as a result of Covid. "That's a very different scenario," he told reporters.
Unless there is a "clear alternative" cause of demise, Australia reports a Covid-19 death for everyone who dies after being infected with the virus, whether confirmed or suspected.
Morrison explained, "We're living with Covid."
"We're not going back to the daily press conferences when people talk about Covid and threatening shutdowns and lockdowns and interfering in people's lives," he added.
"If I'm re-elected on Saturday, I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to take Australia back into those days, "Morrison explained.
According to opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese, the pandemic remains a concern, whose party is marginally ahead in public surveys despite a recent tightening in the race.
"The national strategy must be strengthened. We must consider the number of individuals who have died, the number of individuals admitted to hospitals, and the number of infections, "Albanese explained.
In Australia, more than 95% of persons over the age of 16 are completely vaccinated, according to the opposition leader, which has helped to lessen the disease's impact.
Albanese stated to the National Press Club in Canberra, "But it's still a serious issue."
Morrison is largely recognized for investing massive sums during the pandemic to protect jobs and the economy.
However, the opposition has chastised the prime minister for the slow deployment of vaccines and self-administered quick antigen tests.