Royal Commission: Australia's COVID-19 aged care death rate one of the highest in the world

The rate of coronavirus deaths in Australia's aged care homes is among the highest in the world, a royal commission has heard. From inside her Glen Waverley aged care facility, Merle Mitchell told the royal commission of life in lockdown. 'From the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep I'm sitting in my own room in my one chair,' she said. 'I know I'm here until I die so every time I wake up I think damn, I'm still alive. 'I'm sure if you really ask most people here, they would all say they would rather be dead rather than be living here.' The months of isolation are meant to protect residents.