NSW govt urged to dump ‘silly’ COVID bill
A NSW government plan to remove the presumption that COVID-positive workers in certain industries caught the virus at work will undermine workers, Labor says.
Health
Rapid tests spark consumer watchdog probe
Retailers charging excessive prices for rapid tests have been sent a warning that if they don't slim their margins they could end up in court.
Aged care workers to receive two bonuses
The Morrison government has approved two bonus payments of up to $400 each for aged care staff, with the first to be paid in February.
Going viral – COVID immunity after infection, including Omicron and Delta
Some people battling or recovering from COVID-19 wonder if catching the virus will give them longer term immunity for when the next wave comes.
Another deadly day as NSW provides support
The death toll stemming from the Omicron variant continues to grow, as NSW provided a new $1 billion business support package.
PM issues Kanye West vaccination warning
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says US rap star Kanye West will need to be fully vaccinated if he wants to go ahead with his Australian stadium tour.
New virus death toll high within 24 hours
Australia has again recorded its highest daily death toll of the pandemic, with 97 fatalities so far.
Tasmania records 683 new COVID-19 cases
Tasmania has reported 683 new COVID-19 infections, with 17 people now in hospital.
Vic posts 12,250 COVID cases, 31 deaths
Another 12,250 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Victoria and 31 people have died with the virus, as hospitalisations and active cases fall.
Teens set for boosters as schools return
Australian children aged 16 and 17 could become eligible to receive COVID-19 booster shots as early as this coming week as schools go back.
Qld records 18 virus deaths, 9974 cases
Queensland has recorded another 18 deaths and 9974 COVID-19 cases, on the two-year anniversary of the state's first virus case.
International tourists back by Easter: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said international tourists could be allowed to return to Australia before Easter, once Omicron cases drop.
Teen booster approved amid slow jab uptake
As Australia recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic, the medical regulator granted approval for COVID boosters for teenagers.
One in three COVID-19 deaths in aged care
More than 400 of the 1160 COVID-19 deaths in Australia this year have occurred in aged care, with four states reporting more than 50 fatalities.
Vic posts 12,755 COVID cases, 39 deaths
Victoria has recorded 12,755 new COVID-19 cases and 39 deaths, the highest daily death toll of the latest outbreak.
No change to full vaccination definition
Australia's immunisation advisory group is still considering whether to change the definition of full vaccination to cover three COVID-19 doses.
Qld has 15 COVID-19 deaths, 11,600 cases
Another 15 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 11,600 new virus cases.
Three dose vaccination definition on cards
National cabinet is expected to finalise a new meaning of "fully vaccinated" on Thursday, with three doses to become the standard.
Europe weighs up Australia travel freedoms
There is the potential for Australia to be restored to a European safe travel list as infection rates in the country continue to fall.
Leaders to get COVID health capacity brief
Federal, state and territory leaders will get an update on the capacity of Australia's health system amid the ongoing Omicron wave.
Better Indigenous COVID jab data demanded
Indigenous COVID-19 jab rates continue to lag significantly behind Australia's whole of population coverage as Labor demands more transparent data.
Vic records 13,507 COVID cases, 35 deaths
Victoria has posted 13,507 new COVID-19 cases and 35 deaths - the highest toll since 2020's second wave.
Peaked or not, vaccination a must
While states are eager to declare they have reached their Omicron peak, the World Health Organisation says vaccination remains the number one priority.
Vaccines crucial despite potential peak
The World Health Organisation says whether or not Australia's Omicron outbreak has peaked, vaccine rates must continue to rise to prevent further transmission.
Disability staff with COVID still working
Two COVID-positive disability support staff in regional Victoria have been granted an exemption to continue working.
Shorten wants QLD kids to get the COVID jab at school
Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten has called for the federal government to run an in-school vaccination program as kids prepare to return to the classroom.
Australia reaches two-year pandemic mark
Australia has marked two years since its first confirmed case of COVID-19 amid optimism Omicron outbreaks have peaked across several states.
Pandemic draws out elective surgery wait
Australians waited longer for elective surgeries last year as hospitals worked to clear a backlog from suspensions of those procedures during the pandemic.
Vitamin D won’t increase life expectancy
A new study shows that for most Australians over the age of 60 taking a monthly dose of vitamin D won't increase their chances of living longer.
ACT records two deaths, 756 cases
A man in his 40s and a man in his 90s have become the latest deaths linked to the ACT's COVID-19 outbreak.
Novavax shot available from late February
Australia's newest COVID-19 vaccine Novavax will be distributed from February 21 after being ticked off by ATAGI.