Australian Lockdowns Hit Happiness More Than Cases

A sign reading 'Go straight home and Isolate' in Australia. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

More stringent lockdowns throughout the pandemic impacted the mental health of Australians more than surging case numbers, research has revealed.

While higher case numbers and deaths associated with COVID-19 impacted people’s wellbeing, it was to a lesser extent than strict lockdowns.

Stringent lockdowns implemented around Australia throughout the pandemic impacted the mental health of Australians more than surging COVID-19 case numbers research has revealed. People walk along Hobart Mall in Tasmania, Australia, on Oct. 16, 2021. Steve Bell/Getty Images

The study’s co-author, Professor Nicholas Biddle from the Australian National University, said it remained to be seen whether there would be a long-lasting effect as restrictions became a thing of the past.

“There is no doubt lockdowns were essential to helping stop the spread of COVID-19 and limit case numbers and potential deaths,” he said.

“Our findings also show that measures designed to help protect people from COVID-19 also have a clear impact on mental health and wellbeing.”

The study which analysed more than 6500 adults for over two and a half years found men were more severely impacted by the stricter lockdowns. Police tackle demonstrators during a rally protesting the state's strict lockdown laws in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 5, 2020. WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images

But the study found a split between the genders, with males being more severely impacted by stricter lockdowns while higher case numbers weighed heavily on females.

The study analysed the experiences of more than 6500 adults over two and a half years.

A large crowd gathered to protest lockdown restrictions at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 23, 2020. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Booster Shots To be Approved for Children

Meanwhile, health regulators are in the final stages of approving the use of the Pfizer booster shot for children aged five to 11.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has given the booster provisional approval ahead of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) giving it the nod.

Children aged five to 11 years are currently recommended to have a primary course - two doses for most people - of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Elsewhere, Victoria will join all other jurisdictions except the ACT in doing away with mask mandates on public transport from midnight on Thursday.