Aussie eyes suffering pandemic screen time
Most Australians have at least one problem with their sight and almost one in three say too much screen time during the pandemic has affected their eyes.
Health
Govt reverses plan to stop pandemic leave
The federal government has reversed a decision to end paid COVID-19 pandemic leave and will reinstate the $750 payments until September 30.
Unions welcome govt’s payment backflip
Australian unions support the federal government reversing a decision to end paid COVID-19 pandemic leave.
National cabinet to meet on virus response
National cabinet will meet next week for a briefing from health officials on the latest COVID-19 surge across Australia.
Pressure mounts over COVID-19 payments
The federal government is under fire for not extending pandemic leave payments for those needing to isolate, as COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb.
Biosecurity boost to halt foot and mouth
The federal government will spend $14 million to help prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease in Australia.
NSW shifts aged-care COVID vaccine rules
Visitors to aged-care homes in NSW won't have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 under changes approved by Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant.
COVID-19 providing ‘real challenges’: PM
The prime minister says he will work closely alongside states and territories to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the winter surge.
PM, leaders to meet over COVID-19 surge
National Cabinet is expected to meet next week for a briefing on the latest medical advice and pandemic response as COVID-19 cases surge across the country.
Aust bolster Comm Games COVID-19 measures
Australia's Commonwealth Games athletes won't be permitted to attend other venues to watch their teammates among measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Treasurer defends end of free RAT scheme
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government can't continue to give free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for concession card holders indefinitely.
Albanese RAT call, COVID ship hits Sydney
As a cruise ship with more than 100 COVID-19 cases docks in Sydney, Anthony Albanese has urged concession card holders to get free RATs while they still can.
GPs, pharmacists urge free test extension
Medical experts want the government to extend the free rapid test program for concession card holders, saying scrapping it sends the wrong public message.
COVID ship docks in NSW as crew isolates
A cruise ship experiencing an outbreak of the virus among staff has arrived at Eden on the south coast.
PM defends end to pandemic leave payments
Anthony Albanese has ruled out reintroducing pandemic leave payments, saying the federal government needs to be fiscally responsible.
Vic govt knocks back mask mandate advice
Official advice to reintroduce COVID-19 mask mandates has been rejected in Victoria, as the state government puts the onus on employers.
COVID-19 reinfections rising, experts warn
Infectious diseases experts have warned COVID-19 reinfections are becoming more common across the country due to new sub-variants of the virus.
Qld virus outbreak spreads to cruise ship
Queensland authorities say a COVID-19 outbreak on a cruise ship "was always going to happen", but the proper protocols to manage it are in place.
Government defends pandemic payment end
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says government payments for those isolating for COVID were never meant to be a permanent measure.
PM urges eligible to get second booster
As evasive new Omicron variants fuel a rise in COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is urging those eligible to get their fourth vaccine dose.
Boost to COVID-19 response with extra shot
An additional 7.4 million people will be eligible for a fourth COVID-19 shot as health authorities address rising hospitalisations and deaths.
Minister defends pandemic payment end
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says government payments for those isolating for COVID were never meant to be a permanent measure.
Qld hospitals may halt elective surgeries
Elective surgeries may be suspended again in Queensland as the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state nears 40,000.
Experts consider fourth COVID-19 vaccine
States and territories are considering reintroducing face mask mandates as experts eye expanding eligibility for a fourth dose COVID vaccination.
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.
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.