Australia could have 15,000 Covid deaths in 2022 and that’s ‘way too high’, epidemiologist says

Margaret Hellard wants masks reintroduced indoors and air quality prioritised but other experts say population is well protected against severe disease

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Up to 15,000 Australians are expected to die of Covid this year but an infectious diseases expert says that number is way too high" and more should be done to encourage mask use and improve air quality.

Prof Margaret Hellard from the Burnet Institute has advised the federal and Victorian governments during the coronavirus pandemic. On Thursday, she warned the country was on track to have 10,000 to 15,000 Covid-19 deaths in 2022, which was far too many in her view.

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