NSW warned third COVID-19 peak on its way
NSW Health expects COVID-19 cases will peak in late July and early August at levels similar to January, when Omicron cases were surging.
Health
Charges over fatal COVID aged care cluster
WorkSafe Victoria has charged St Basil's Homes for the Aged with nine breaches of occupational health and safety law over its COVID-19 management.
Calls to lower age limits for fourth doses
As Australia exceeds the 10,000 COVID-19 deaths mark, an infectious diseases expert has called for the fourth dose age limit to be lowered from 65 to 50.
Health ministers meet as COVID cases rise
Health Minister Mark Butler says the government cannot continue to fund COVID-19 payments and urged people to get their boosters as soon as possible.
Australia nears 10,000 COVID-19 deaths
The country will likely reach the grim milestone on Sunday amid renewed calls for vaccine boosters and possible mask mandates.
High-impact workouts could stem dementia
Short bursts of high-impact training might be the secret to maintaining good brain health, scientists say.
NSW reports century-first diphtheria case
The two-year-old child is in intensive care at a Queensland hospital, where they've been given diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotics and respiratory support.
Australian virus border restrictions end
Australia's pandemic death toll has tipped past the grim milestone of 10,000 fatalities, as the country prepares to lift all border restrictions.
Emergency payments end before COVID surge
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the government can't continue to fund COVID-19 payments and urged people to get their boosters as soon as possible.
Virus vaccine contract review ordered
An urgent review of Australia's pharmaceutical contracts to help the nation best respond to new COVID variants has been ordered by the federal government.
TGA paves way for under-fives vaccine
The TGA has given approval for Pfizer to submit an application for extending the use of its COVID-19 vaccine to children under five years of age.
Push for students to keep vaccinating
Victorian pharmacy students and interns have been an asset through the pandemic and there are calls to allow them to keep bolstering the vaccination workforce.
Booster gives 65pc protection from death
An Australian study of COVID-19 vaccines has found people who have had a booster shot are far less likely to die or be hospitalised with the Omicron variant.
Federal Court strikes out anti-vaxxer case
A Federal Court judge says litigation against the Commonweath, states and NT over lockdown and vaccine mandates was an abuse of process.
Warning as vaccine, mask rules ease
Australia's top doctors are urging the sick to stay home, even if they test negative, to prevent more than just the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Warning as Omicron sub-variant cases surge
Victoria's chief health Officer says a new Omicron sub-variant is on the rise in the state, following surges in other parts of the country.
COVID-19 and Australia’s unlearnt lessons
A new book by a Sydney academic explores the similarities between Australia's response to the Bubonic Plague in 1900 and COVID-19.
Third virus wave biggest killer: study
An in-hospital mortality study shows more COVID-19 patients were admitted to intensive care and ultimately, more died during Australia's third pandemic wave.
Flu and COVID ‘double whammy’ on hospitals
Rising cases of COVID-19 and the flu are putting strain on the nation's hospitals as winter sets in, Australia's chief medical officer says.
COVID-19 reinfection drives booster calls
New COVID-19 variants have led to rising case numbers and hospitalisations from the virus, prompting fresh warnings from experts.
Have COVID plan before positive test: CMO
Australia's chief medical officer has urged Australians at risk of severe disease from COVID-19 to have a treatment plan in case they test positive.
New campaign to target booster uptake
The federal government will roll out a fresh $11 million advertising blitz in an effort to increase Australia's COVID-19 booster rate.
Australia joins pandemic preparedness fund
The Albanese government will provide money for a new global fund designed to help prevent future pandemics.
Opposition calls for flight mask scrapping
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says Australia should end the requirement for all passengers on inbound international flights to wear a mask.
Minister urges aged care booster rate rise
Health Minister Mark Butler says he wants to see the fourth dose rate for COVID vaccines in aged care facilities increase.
Childhood cancer survival rates improve
The number of deaths from cancer among children under 15 years old has decreased substantially over the last two decades, new research shows.
Finish line for ACT-Melbourne cancer ride
After a COVID-19 cancellation, riders will finally complete the last leg of a 900km ride from Canberra to Melbourne to raise funds for ovarian cancer research.
‘No argument’ to keep some vax mandates
Australian epidemiologists have told an inquiry it is unclear why Victoria's double-dose COVID-19 vaccine mandates remain in some settings.
COVID-19 health funding measures extended
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's first national cabinet meeting has agreed to extend health and hospital funding for the pandemic until the end of the year.
Albanese talks down new hospitals deal
Ahead of the first national cabinet meeting to be chaired by Anthony Albanese, the prime minister has talked down a generous new hospitals funding deal.
Fewer COVID-19 deaths under female leaders
Countries with female leaders recorded 40 per cent fewer COVID-19 deaths compared to those run by men, new research from the University of Queensland says.