The total number of loans deferred is now at least 643,000, or was on Friday, the Australian Banking Association said.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh said this showed the financial impact of the crisis was still unfolding and customers continued to need support from their bank to get through it.

“New data released today shows that in just one week an extra 100,000 customers have had their loans deferred, including 50,000 home loans, to take the pressure off household and business budgets as they navigate through this pandemic,” Bligh said on Friday.

“These updated figures, together with figures not previously reported, bring the total number of loans deferred by Australia’s banks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to over 643,000, of which approximately 392,000 are home loans.

“Australia’s banks have deferred an extra 100,000 loans, including approximately 50,000 home loans, over the last week to help customers through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This new data released today shows the total value of loans deferred by Australia’s banks is now at least $200 billion.

“The surge in demand for assistance from banks shows that the economic impacts continue to be felt, and by no means is the nation through this crisis,” she said.