Date Time Additional analysis of Victorian mortality data: Australia Analysis of deaths in Victoria through 2020 has shown there were 125 excess deaths recorded during the state’s second wave of COVID-19, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Excess mortality refers to deaths that have exceeded expected numbers based on the pre-COVID-19 period. Director of Mortality Statistics at the ABS, James Eynstone-Hinkins, said: “The data show that COVID-19 was the main contributor to excess deaths recorded in Victoria between 27 July and 23 August, with deaths from other diseases and conditions more in line with historical trends.” In late March and early April, small numbers of excess deaths from respiratory conditions were recorded both nationally and in Victoria. However, from the end of May onwards, numbers of deaths from respiratory diseases have been significantly below expected counts.