Victoria has 11,695 virus cases, 17 deaths
Victoria has posted 11,695 new COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths after the state government unveiled a plan to keep students in classrooms amid the Omicron wave.
Health
Hanson calls for pandemic royal commission
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called for a royal commission into the COVID-19 pandemic, after this year's federal election.
Eczema treatment subsidy to help thousands
Australians suffering from a severe form of eczema will save tens of thousands of dollars after a new listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
WA needs new transition plan: Nationals
WA Opposition Leader Mia Davies is calling on Premier Mark McGowan to provide a new transition plan as the state records 11 new COVID-19 cases.
Two COVID deaths in ACT, 826 new cases
The death toll from the pandemic in the ACT has risen to 22, with two new COVID-19 fatalities reported in the latest period, as new infections remain stable.
First virus death in Tas since reopening
Tasmania has recorded its first coronavirus-related death, a 90 year old unvaccinated woman, since reopening its border, as it posted 866 new virus infections.
NSW deadliest day as toll hits 1000 deaths
NSW has recorded 25,168 new COVID-19 cases and 46 deaths as a leading epidemiologist warns the number dying each day won't begin to fall for some time.
Taskforce to examine RAT price gouging
The AFP has launched a specialist taskforce to crack down on reports rapid antigen tests are being sold at heavily inflated prices.
WA premier flags major COVID announcement
Western Australia's premier has flagged an important announcement as COVID-19 continues to spread through the state ahead of the February 5 border reopening.
New COVID vax, treatments get green light
Australia will get a fourth type of COVID-19 vaccine, as two oral treatments for the virus were also granted approval by the medical regulator.
Police investigate COVID-19 test fraud
The Therapeutic Goods Administration says police are looking into companies making false claims about COVID-19 testing kit approvals.
Approval given to Novavax COVID vaccine
Australia's medicines regulator has approved the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
NSW reports 25 deaths, fewer in hospital
NSW has reported a small drop in COVID-19 hospitalisations, 25 deaths and 30,825 cases as the state increases its order of RATs to 150 million.
First COVID-19 oral treatments approved
The medical regulator has approved the first two oral anti-viral treatments for COVID-19 for use in Australia.
NSW school parents urged to get boosters
NSW remains committed to getting children back in classrooms on the first day of term while parents are advised to get booster shots as eligibility changes.
MP’s anti-vax views ‘dangerous’: Morrison
Scott Morrison has told people to ignore comments made by backbencher George Christensen that urged parents not to get their children vaccinated.
No need for daily workplace rapid test: PM
Scott Morrison has urged businesses not to enforce rules requiring employees to return daily negative rapid tests, saying it would further hit supplies.
Canberra records 1467 new COVID-19 cases
The number of COVID-19 patients in ACT hospitals has started to decrease slightly, as the territory records another 1467 new cases.
Incentives for more students, backpackers
Visa application fees for backpackers and international students will be covered by the federal government in an attempt to address the workforce crisis.
Vic reduces vaccine booster dose interval
Victoria has reduced the wait between second COVID-19 vaccine and booster to three months.
Omicron-related deaths ‘are yet to peak’
While COVID-19 cases may have started to flatline, the chief medical officer has warned deaths from the Omicron variant have yet to reach their high point.
Winter wave warning for COVID-19
Australia's chief medical officer has warned of another spike in COVID-19 cases over winter as the country hovers near the peak of the current wave.
How regional Australia beats the heat
As heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and more intense, regional Australians and their communities are learning how to adapt.
Private hospital COVID-19 plan triggered
Health Minister Greg Hunt says Australia has activated an agreement to make more than 100,000 private hospital staff available to help COVID-affected areas.
Tas drops rules for vaccinated travellers
Fully vaccinated people entering Tasmania will no longer need to have a rapid antigen test before arriving, or register their travel.
Aged care COVID-19 outbreaks growing
More than half of Australia's aged care facilities will be hit with a COVID-19 outbreak, according to providers within the sector.
Anger at COVID support cuts as peak nears
The Australian Council of Social Service has expressed dismay at the federal government's decision to taper support payments as COVID cases continue to rage.
Debate rages over Omicron peak evidence
Health authorities in several states say the peak of the Omicron wave of COVID-19 is nearing, as numbers plateau across the country.
Officials optimistic as Omicron peak nears
Health authorities in several states say the peak of the Omicron wave of COVID-19 is nearing, as numbers plateau across the country.
Victoria reports 22,429 cases, six deaths
Victoria has recorded 22,429 new COVID-19 infections and six deaths, as authorities begin distributing free rapid antigen tests to essential workers and others.
NSW records 17 deaths, 29,504 COVID cases
Hospital numbers continue to increase in NSW, including in ICUs, as the state recorded 29,504 new COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths.