An image showing an article from The Australian publication website. The bold black headline reads: "Covid-19 death rates now match flu as summer peak vanishes." Below it, a subheadline states: "Covid-19 is still a killer of older Australians, but it's now not much more deadly than influenza." The byline credits Stephen Lunn on June 30, 2026. A large stock photograph from iStock dominates the lower half. It depicts a healthcare worker dressed in full blue protective equipment, including a gown, gloves, hairnet, mask, and protective plastic visor. The worker bends forward to administer a nasal or throat swab to an elderly, white-haired man sitting on the left side of the frame. In the blurry background, a second medical worker in similar protective gear is partially visible. The caption below the photo reads: "The Covid-19 mortality rate has fallen to the point that it now sits on a similar trajectory to influenza deaths. Picture: iStock"