ACT records rise in infections, 658 cases
Hospitalisations and COVID-19 cases have risen in the ACT, with Canberra registered 658 new infections.
epidemic and plague
COVID uncertainty here to stay: Morrison
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned of the threat of new COVID variants, saying uncertainty about the virus would remain for some time.
NSW reports 5 virus deaths, 13,018 cases
More than 13,000 people in NSW have been newly diagnosed with COVID-19 and five elderly people have died after contracting the virus.
Qld records one virus death, 3,677 cases
Another person has died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 3,677 new virus cases after the first mask-free weekend since early January.
Vaccine caused Tas man’s death: Coroner
A Tasmanian father of four died from adverse effects of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, a coroner has found.
WA has 2137 new Omicron cases, peak looms
Western Australia has recorded 2137 new COVID-19 cases, with the state's Omicron outbreak expected to peak within coming weeks.
Qld to ditch mask mandates, density limits
Queensland will scrap its mask mandate from 6pm Friday as overall virus numbers continue to fall.
Fewer businesses facing COVID disruptions
New figures have revealed 15 per cent of businesses had staff unavailable due to COVID-19 in February, down from 22 per cent in January.
SA virus cases rise, five more deaths
South Australia has reported a third day in a row of rising COVID-19 cases along with five more deaths.
Qld records 6 COVID-19 deaths, 6479 cases
Another six people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 6479 new cases.
Novavax recommended as COVID booster
Australia's immunisation authority has recommended Novavax be used as a COVID-19 booster dose where mRNA vaccines are not available.
Aged care groups welcome dual jab plan
Peak bodies for aged care have welcomed the possibility of residents receiving a fourth COVID-19 vaccine and flu jab at the same time, ahead of winter.
Virus vaccine milestone for Aussie kids
More than half of Australia's five to 11-year-olds have received their first COVID-19 vaccine.
Pharmacists call for more vaccine support
The pharmacy peak body has called for greater financial remuneration to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine, as the Moderna rollout for children begins.
Delay for under-5s COVID vaccine approval
The medical regulator says vaccine approval for under-fives will not be considered until after Easter, as Moderna gets the green light for six to 11-year-olds.
New COVID-19 cases in WA surge by 643
Western Australia's Omicron case numbers have more than doubled overnight, with 643 new local infections and five people in hospital.
Experts seek higher child vaccination rate
Health experts are set to meet next week to discuss the use of schools and other means to boost the COVID-19 vaccination rate for children.
Household iso rules could be relaxed: Hunt
Health Minister Greg Hunt has indicated there is further capacity to reduce isolation requirements for household contacts to match those for essential workers.
Star loses appeal for pandemic loss payout
Star Entertainment Group has lost an appeal over a decision denying it compensation by its insurer for losses suffered during the coronavirus pandemic.
First tourists touch down after two years
Australia's international borders have reopened to tourists for the first time in two years, sparking happy scenes at airports across the country.
Joy as virus restrictions ease, for now
Victoria has recorded 20 COVID-19 deaths and NSW 12 as residents in those states and the ACT enjoy greater freedoms after many restrictions were scrapped.
Industry calls for unified COVID-19 rules
As jurisdictions ease their COVID measures, leading industry groups have called for states and territories to be on the same page when it comes to restrictions.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine approved for kids
Provisional regulatory approval has been granted for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be used by children aged six years and over.
WA soon set to make Australia whole again
WA Premier Mark McGowan says an announcement on the reopening date of the state's hard border will be made by the end of the month.
PM defends timing of rapid test orders
A petition of more than 150,000 people has been tabled in parliament calling for free access to rapid antigen tests.
Minister steers protest anger to states
Federal minister Keith Pitt says while people are entitled to protest, Saturday's march on Parliament House in Canberra was misdirected.
Elderly to get a break amid vaccine demos
The federal government is allowing at least one visitor a day in aged care facilities hit by COVID-19 but it remains the target of anti-vaccine protesters' ire.
Vaccine protest as doctors launch campaign
The prime minister says he understands the concerns of anti-vaccination protesters, as the AMA launches a campaign for more public hospital funding.
Novavax rollout to begin from next week
The protein-based vaccine Novavax will begin its rollout on Monday, one week ahead of schedule.
COVID boosters to be required in aged care
Adults who have received a COVID-19 booster are considered "up to date" with their vaccines under new advice from the nation's immunisation advisory group.
Federal call for tourism vaccine unity
Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan has slammed the possibility of Victoria requiring overseas tourists to have three vaccine doses to enter, rather than two.