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.
vaccines
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.
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.
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.
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.
NZ considering new COVID border strategy
COVID-19 Minister Chris Hipkins says New Zealand will make a fresh call on border settings "within the next couple of weeks".
Qld concern over slowing COVID vaccination
Slowing vaccination rates among a key age group are concerning authorities in Queensland where 16 new deaths were recorded in people with COVID-19.
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.
Qld reports 16 virus deaths, 15,962 cases
Another 16 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 15,962 new cases, with authorities urging people to get booster vaccinations.
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.
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.
‘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.
Isolation change won’t add risk: experts
Despite COVID-19 isolation measures being changed for multiple workplace sectors, experts say it won't add to the risk of virus transmission.
Disability advocates hit out at iso change
Disability advocates have criticised changes to close contact isolation rules saying the federal government is not taking care of Australia's most vulnerable.
COVID-19 testing rule changes on the way
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has flagged changes to COVID-19 surveillance testing rules, as Omicron cases continue to rise.
Essential workers expanded to boost supply
National cabinet has agreed to expand the definition of essential workers to help address critical supply-chain issues caused by rising Omicron cases.
Queensland’s border wall to fall in days
As infection numbers grow, the barricades that played a central role in Queensland's COVID-19 elimination strategy will be removed in a matter of days.
Quarantine exemption about ‘managing risk’
Leaders are set to discuss staff shortages and the safe return to school amid rising COVID-19 cases at a meeting of national cabinet.
National cabinet to discuss school return
Leaders are set to work out a plan for how schools can safely reopen amid rising COVID-19 cases at a meeting of national cabinet.
Qld records another 22,069 virus cases
Queensland has recorded 22,069 new COVID-19 cases, taking the state's outbreak to more than 130,000 cases, with hundreds in hospital with the virus.
Don’t delay school start, leaders urged
A former deputy chief medical officer is calling on national cabinet to not delay the start of the school year, despite surging Omicron cases.
Urgent talks to address supply chain issue
Ministers are meeting with essential business sectors on possible COVID-19 isolation changes to help solve supply chain shortages due to rising infections.
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.
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.