This year, just five cases of COVID-19 have been recorded among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. This good result is due to both significant government support measures and prompt and effective action by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and organisations.
As the highly contagious Delta variant spreads in Australia, the task of ensuring all Australians are vaccinated becomes even more urgent. But since the vaccine rollout began in late February, only about 9% of Australians have been fully vaccinated.
The Delta variant is a particular concern for higher-risk populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Vaccinations of First Nations people must be carried out more quickly.
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In a survey of Stolen Generation survivors, two-thirds reported a decline in their physical health as a result of COVID restrictions, while 75% reported a decline in their mental health and wellbeing.
Indigenous populations around the world are more likely to be infected by or die of Covid-19 with one notable exception; Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders).
The research found the necessary and swift public health response to protect First Australians also created âunprecedented disruption to cultural practices and normal relational and collective practicesâ of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, leaving people feeling vulnerable and disconnected from their community.
Foundation chief executive Fiona Cornforth said the research was carried out to assist future governments in pandemic planning âto ensure the mental health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable in the communityâ.
âThe excellent work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group on Covid-19 â as part of national efforts guided by the national cabinet â ensured that infection rates were very low in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations,â she said.