More COVID deaths in residential aged care
More than 1000 people in Australian aged care homes have died from COVID-19 this year, more than in the previous two years combined.
epidemic and plague
Latest snapshot of coronavirus impact
The latest snapshot of COVID-19 cases, deaths and vaccinations in Australia at 1600 AEST on Thursday, April 14.
WA eases COVID-19 rules but masks remain
Western Australia will move to the national definition for COVID-19 close contacts but proof of vaccination and mask-wearing mandates will remain in place.
NSW keen to drop close contact isolations
NSW hopes other states and territories will get onboard with changes to close contact isolation rules, but convincing Victoria alone could be enough.
Vic child mask mandate could be scrapped
Victorian children returning to school in term 2 may not have to wear masks, after the state government announced new COVID-19 travel measures.
Senior federal ALP MP contracts COVID-19
The Labor candidate for the NSW lower house seat of Fowler in Sydney's southwest, Kristina Keneally, is going into isolation after contracting COVID-19.
‘Telephone’ voting for COVID-19 iso cases
A telephone voting system is set to be rolled out for the 2022 federal election, allowing those in COVID-19 isolation on polling day to cast their ballot.
New Liberal health minister pick imminent
The prime minister will announce Greg Hunt's replacement as health minister within days, as ATAGI declines to approve COVID-19 booster shots for under-16s.
No boosters for 12 to 15-year-olds
Australians aged between 12 and 15 don't require a COVID-19 booster yet, says the nation's vaccine advisory group.
Boosters approved for 12 to 15-year-olds
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has given approval for the Pfizer vaccine to be given as a COVID-19 booster to 12 to 15-year-olds.
Free RATs for Victorians with a disability
Victorians with a disability will be eligible to receive free rapid antigen tests as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the state.
Committee calls for COVID royal commission
A Senate committee examining the COVID-19 outbreak has recommended a royal commission be established to examine Australia's handling of the pandemic.
Push to move away from COVID death reports
Australia may shift to reporting "excess deaths" from COVID-19 instead of total fatalities, with the chief medical officer saying the time is right to change.
Thousands receive winter COVID-19 boosters
More than 14,000 people have received their winter booster for COVID-19 since the rollout began this week.
Ease isolation rules, PM encourages states
The debate over the future of COVID-19 isolation rules is hotting up as Scott Morrison urges premiers to weigh up the benefits of lifting restrictions.
Vaccines critical for winter protection
A surge in flu cases could be delayed until winter 2023, but health experts say it is still a good idea for Australians to protect themselves with a vaccine.
Monday start for winter booster rollout
Older and vulnerable Australians will soon be able to receive a second COVID-19 booster, which is considered critical to protect at-risk people ahead of winter.
Winter booster rollout to start on Monday
Older and vulnerable Australians will soon be able to receive a second COVID-19 booster shot.
Qld warns elective surgeries could be cut
Some Queensland hospitals are considering suspending elective surgeries with the state dealing with 59,300 active COVID-19 cases.
Overhaul of COVID-19 quarantine proposed
One of Australia's leading health bodies has recommended quarantine measures be removed for COVID-19 close contacts.
Teen COVID boosters being considered
Case numbers of COVID-19 have been increasing across the country in recent days due to infections linked to an Omicron sub-variant.
One in four children now fully vaccinated
The drive to vaccinate Australian kids against COVID-19 has reached a milestone as new survey results show greater confidence in the healthcare system.
Many struggle to meet health costs: survey
Many financially disadvantaged Australians and those with chronic conditions face difficulty meeting healthcare costs, a survey of 5000 adults shows.
Treasurer upbeat on PM’s virus response
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg believes Prime Minister Scott Morrison has done an extraordinary job steering Australia through the pandemic.
Boost for ACT’s mental recovery from virus
The ACT and federal governments will spend $38 million on the territory's mental health and suicide prevention services as part of its COVID-19 recovery.
More restrictions eased in travel reboot
Within the next month, travellers to Australia will no longer need to provide a negative COVID test result before boarding their flight.
Australia to ease more travel restrictions
Within the next month, travellers to Australia will no longer need to provide a negative COVID test result before boarding a flight.
Qld unsure when 2nd Omicron wave will peak
Queensland is in the middle of a second Omicron wave but authorities aren't changing any public health measures.
WA posts 8133 virus cases, more free tests
Western Australia has recorded 8133 new COVID-19 infections and two deaths as the state prepares to unwind some public health restrictions.
Fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose approved
ATAGI has approved a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for some Australians, as the government looks to scrap pre-flight testing for overseas arrivals.
Booster 2.0: Fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose approved by authorities
ATAGI has approved a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for some Australians, as the government looks to scrap pre-flight testing for overseas arrivals.