NSW COVID-19 patients rise, 24 more dead
NSW has reported its lowest daily COVID-19 tally this year, but hospitalisations have risen by more than 100 and are nearly as high as last week's peak.
health
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.
Shortages plague concessional RAT rollout
The federal government's concessional access to COVID-19 rapid antigen tests has begun, but pharmacists say supply shortages could delay the rollout.
More deaths, school COVID plans revealed
A further 58 virus-related deaths were recorded across the country on Sunday as its two biggest states announced their return-to-school plans.
Two RATs per week for Vic pupils, teachers
Rapid antigen tests will be handed out to students and teachers across Victoria to keep schools open when face-to-face classes resume.
RATs for pupils in NSW back-to-school plan
Two rapid antigen tests per week will be supplied to students and teachers across NSW schools as part of COVID-19 measures for the start of the school year.
Victoria has 13,091 virus cases, 14 deaths
Victoria has posted 13,091 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths ahead of the unveiling of the state's plan to protect students and staff when classes resume.
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.
Hunt doubles down on Qld rapid test claims
The federal government has denied claims it requisitioned rapid antigen tests from Queensland, despite reaching a $26 million deal with a known supplier.
Qld records 10 deaths, 15,050 virus cases
Queensland has recorded another 10 COVID-19 deaths and 15,050 cases as the first international flight arrives after quarantine requirements were relaxed..
Testing requirements relaxed for arrivals
The requirement to receive a negative PCR test within three days of flying to Australia has been scrapped, with a rapid antigen test to be accepted from Sunday.
International arrivals to use RATs
Travellers entering Australia from overseas will be able to show a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours of the departure time to gain entry.
Kids anxious about climate change threat
Australian children and teens are dealing with rising anxiety about climate change but adults can ease the mental burden, a new paper suggests.
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.
Qld cuts COVID-19 booster waiting time
Another 13 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland and the state has 16,031 new cases, as the waiting time for a third vaccine jab is cut to three months.
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.
Victoria has 18,167 virus cases, 20 deaths
Victoria has posted 18,167 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths, as eight state-run vaccine hubs embark on a four-day booster blitz.
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.
States to announce specific school plans
States and territories have largely decided to go their own way on return to school plans, only agreeing to six broad principles through national cabinet.
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.
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.
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.
Leaders to discuss safe school start
National cabinet is meeting to discuss a safe start to schools, while leaders will be updated on the vaccine rollout, health system and epidemiology.
NSW opens booster door to 1.8m more adults
Millions of residents in NSW became eligible for boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine after the government slashed the time between doses.
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.