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.
vaccines
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.
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.
Virus deaths spike, children jabs begin
The daily death toll from COVID-19 has spiked to 20, with NSW reporting 16, its highest number since the pandemic began.
Omicron peak still ‘weeks away’, AMA warns
The Australian Medical Association says the nation's healthcare system needs extra support as COVID-19 cases surge towards a peak that is still weeks away.
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.
Govt eases rules on COVID-19 leave support
Workers who return a positive COVID-19 rapid antigen test will soon be able to access pandemic leave disaster payments .
Price hikes on rapid tests now illegal
Changes to biosecurity laws have come into place, making it illegal for retailers to mark up prices on rapid antigen tests by more than 20 per cent.
Federal govt defends Djokovic detention
The Home Affairs Minister says Novak Djokovic, who faces deportation unless his legal challenge is successful, fell foul of COVID-19 entry requirements.
Woman in Qld court over vaccination fraud
One of two women accused of being involved in vaccine fraud north of Brisbane has had her case mentioned in court.
Millions more eligible for boosters
Around 7.5 million Australians are eligible for their booster shots as of Tuesday as states continue to record soaring infection numbers.
Qld daily virus cases climb to 589
Queensland has 589 new virus cases and Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has warned residents they need to set up a COVID-19 care plan in case they get sick.
NSW climbs to 3763 COVID-19 cases
NSW has recorded 3763 cases of COVID-19 overnight, another daily record for the pandemic as people rush to get tested before the Christmas break.
Quarantine rules ease, 86 new cases in Qld
Queensland has reported 86 new COVID-19 cases, while the quarantine period has been halved for fully vaccinated close contacts.
Push to tighten COVID rules as cases surge
Speeding up booster shots, making full vaccination contingent on three COVID-19 jabs and mask mandates are being considered to help curb virus infections.
New jab definition, mask mandate on cards
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will discuss with premiers and chief ministers time frames for booster shots and masks mandates to curb COVID-19's spread.
Qld has 49 local cases, masks recommended
The Queensland government has recommended wearing face masks indoors and urged people to get boosters after recording 49 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.
Leaders to meet to discuss Omicron threat
An emergency national cabinet meeting will be held on Wednesday amid rising numbers of COVID-19 cases linked to the Omicron variant.
Qld officer assaulted over mask mandate
A woman has been arrested for allegedly biting an officer after refusing to wear a mask, but police say overall compliance has been good around the state.
Warning sounded on Omicron assumptions
Experts have warned Australian authorities against relying too much on the possibility of the Omicron COVID-19 strain causing milder illness.
Boosters not brought forward despite surge
The gap between second and third COVID-19 vaccine doses will remain at five months, with some flexibility given to people nearing their time for a booster shot.
US panel urges Pfizer,Moderna over J&J
US advisers say most Americans should get the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines instead of the Johnson & Johnson shot due to rare but serious blood clots.
Free tests call as virus infections rise
Infectious disease expert Mary-Louise McLaws has called for free rapid antigen tests to ensure people don't inadvertently spread the virus over the holidays.
WHO advises on mixing COVID-19 vaccines
Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines can be used as subsequent doses after initial doses of AstraZeneca and vice versa, the WHO says.
Two Qld women arrested for vaccine fraud
Two women have been arrested by Queensland Police for allegedly being involved in vaccine fraud this month north of Brisbane.
PM not worried about COVID infection spike
Scott Morrison says he wants Australians to go about their lives despite rising COVID-19 infections in the lead up to Christmas.
States told to avoid Christmas border bans
The emergence of the Omicron variant and surging case numbers have created fear that premiers may pull the trigger on further lockdowns and border closures.
Southern African travel ban scrapped
The federal government has ceased a travel ban on eight southern African nations imposed last month due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.