Most believe rapid tests should be free
A new survey by the Australian Institute has found 72 per cent of Australians believe rapid antigen tests should be free to everyone.
Health
Vic has 28,128 COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths
Victoria has reported another 28,128 COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths, as a record number of people are in hospital with the virus.
‘Hope’ Omicron outbreak peaked in NSW, Vic
Australia's Chief Medical Officer is hopeful the latest COVID-19 outbreak has peaked in several states, as the nation reaches a vaccination milestone.
NSW posts 48,768 virus cases, 20 deaths
NSW has posted 48,768 new COVID-19 cases along with a further 20 virus-related deaths despite modelling showing the state tracking better than expected.
Experts warn of COVID-19 reinfection risk
With two strains of COVID-19 circulating in the community, experts say there's a large risk of people becoming reinfected with the virus as case numbers rise.
Church apologises, premier calls for fine
The NSW premier has called for organisers of a Hillsong camp, where attendees were filmed flouting public health orders, to be fined, as the church apologises.
Premier wants Hillsong fined over ‘breach’
The NSW premier has called for organisers of a Hillsong church camp, where attendees were filmed flouting public health orders, to be fined.
Police rule out fine for Hillsong ‘breach’
NSW police have ruled out fining organisers of a Hillsong church camp, where attendees were filmed singing and dancing in defiance of public health orders.
NSW has 63,018 COVID-19 cases, 29 deaths
Australia's chief medical officer says NSW may be approaching its peak in COVID-19 infections after the state reported 63,018 new cases and 29 deaths.
Schools must return on time: PM
Students must return to school on time to help ease the burden on Australia's workers, the prime minister has said following a national cabinet meeting.
Gene research decodes heart disease risk
Research has shed light on the role genetics plays in determining a person's risk of coronary heart disease, providing a "whole new avenue" of screening.
NSW residents face fines over RAT reports
NSW residents who test positive for COVID-19 on rapid antigen tests must now report their results as the state reaches a record for fatalities.
Mandatory rapid test reporting for NSW
NSW residents who test positive for COVID-19 on rapid antigen tests must now report their results as the state reaches a record for fatalities.
Victoria recruits 1000 booster vaccinators
Victoria will recruit 1000 people, including first year health students, to administer COVID-19 vaccine boosters as demand for a third dose ramps up.
Vic has 40,127 COVID-19 cases, 21 deaths
Victoria has reported another 40,127 COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths as rising demand and staff absences cause delays in answering triple zero calls.
COVID boosters for teens being considered
Medical experts are examining whether to allow COVID booster shots for 16 and 17-year-olds, after the child vaccination rollout began this week.
Push to mandate rapid test reporting
Australian jurisdictions are expected to begin mandating rapid test result reporting to better track where COVID-19 is circulating.
Calls for rapid antigen tests in schools
A leading epidemiologist has called for students to be given rapid antigen tests "every other day" because children aged five to 11 are largely unvaccinated.
Omicron clouds loom on return to classroom
Health authorities are trying to figure out how students can safely return to the classroom as Omicron COVID-19 cases rise across the country.
Worker rules to free up fruit and veges
Supermarkets are expected to be better stocked over coming days as new rules come into force allowing supply chain workers greater freedom from quarantining.
Child COVID-19 vaccination rollout begins
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the start of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has gone well despite concerns about staffing and logistical issues.
Coronavirus news in Australia
The latest snapshot of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Australia at 1730 AEDT on Monday, January 10.
Vic mandates boosters, dancefloors close
Victoria is yet to reach its peak in COVID-19 infections, the health minister warned as he announced a booster mandate for critical workers and other changes.
Critical worker isolation under review
New measures adopted by NSW, Victoria and Queensland exempting more critical workers from COVID-19 isolation will go before national cabinet for discussion.
PM calls for co-ordinated school reopening
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says work is under way to ensure the reopening of schools for the new year is harmonised across the country.
Home test shortages due to hoarders: Joyce
The federal government has warned people not to hoard rapid testing kits as pharmacies expressed concern about how free tests will be rolled out.
Vic GP child vaccine supply ‘sporadic’
Victorian GPs are receiving child COVID-19 vaccine doses in "sporadic" and "inadequate" numbers, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says.
Calls for patience in kids’ jab rollout
Lieutenant General John Frewen says vaccine supply for children aged between five and 11 isn't an issue as he works to overcome distribution problems.
Enough doses as kids’ program begins: Hunt
Health Minister Greg Hunt says there will be three million COVID-19 vaccines available over January for the children's program which begins on Monday.
Vic school start as normal, jab for kids
Victoria isn't planning on delaying the start of the school year as kids over five become eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Djokovic had COVID-19, court papers reveal
World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic contracted COVID-19 ahead of his trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open, court documents show.