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The first week of the harsh and renewed blockade brought a sad record: between 16 and 22 November, 2,431 people died in Austria. According to Statistics Austria, the last time there were more deaths in a week was in February 1978.
There was still an outbreak in 2017 during a strong flu epidemic, where 2,340 deaths were reported from January 9-15. AGES figures show that this time the coronavirus triggers mortality: 568 deaths from Covid were reported in calendar week 43. The death rate this week was 58 percent higher than the average for the past five years. With an increase of 44 percent and 441 deaths this week, Upper Austria ranks third in a comparison of federal states, the lowest increase, but still a quarter, was mortality in Vienna.
Increase “worry”
During the whole year, 6.5 percent more people died this year than the previous year (77,662), according to Austria’s Director of Statistics Tobias Thomas. Analysis of the figures shows that as early as October 19, a “worrying development” began with the increase in mortality rates, he said. This can also be seen in nursing homes, where more than a third more people have died since mid-October than in 2019, that is, 2,727. A look at the current figures yesterday showed that there is still no talk of relaxation. In addition to 3,969 new infections, nearly 100 deaths were reported Wednesday through Thursday with 92.
In Upper Austria, another 23 Covid deaths were reported Thursday afternoon, five of which were late reports from the last few days. With 704 new infections, Upper Austria was once again in first place behind Vienna in this ranking.
However, by the time after the massive tests, experts expect a significant decrease in new infections. Simulation researcher Niki Popper from the Vienna University of Technology expects a “sharp downward curve” from December 14, but yesterday asked that infected people found through massive tests be specially identified to increase the accuracy of the forecast. For the rest of the winter, the figures are relevant from mid-January, because that is when the evolution during the holidays becomes evident. Popper then demands a “clear line and communication” on what numbers are still acceptable and when and how to react.
Article of
Jasmine brger
National Policy Editor
