New virus death toll high within 24 hours
Australia has again recorded its highest daily death toll of the pandemic, with 97 fatalities so far.
vaccines
Teens set for boosters as schools return
Australian children aged 16 and 17 could become eligible to receive COVID-19 booster shots as early as this coming week as schools go back.
International tourists back by Easter: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said international tourists could be allowed to return to Australia before Easter, once Omicron cases drop.
COVID-19 boosters approved for teenagers
The medical regulator has granted provisional approval for the Pfizer vaccine to be used as a COVID-19 booster for 16 and 17-year-olds.
Better Indigenous COVID jab data demanded
Indigenous COVID-19 jab rates continue to lag significantly behind Australia's whole of population coverage as Labor demands more transparent data.
Peaked or not, vaccination a must
While states are eager to declare they have reached their Omicron peak, the World Health Organisation says vaccination remains the number one priority.
Vaccines crucial despite potential peak
The World Health Organisation says whether or not Australia's Omicron outbreak has peaked, vaccine rates must continue to rise to prevent further transmission.
Shorten wants QLD kids to get the COVID jab at school
Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten has called for the federal government to run an in-school vaccination program as kids prepare to return to the classroom.
Australia reaches two-year pandemic mark
Australia has marked two years since its first confirmed case of COVID-19 amid optimism Omicron outbreaks have peaked across several states.
Pandemic draws out elective surgery wait
Australians waited longer for elective surgeries last year as hospitals worked to clear a backlog from suspensions of those procedures during the pandemic.
Novavax shot available from late February
Australia's newest COVID-19 vaccine Novavax will be distributed from February 21 after being ticked off by ATAGI.
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.
Hanson calls for pandemic royal commission
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called for a royal commission into the COVID-19 pandemic, after this year's federal election.
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.
Taskforce to examine RAT price gouging
The AFP has launched a specialist taskforce to crack down on reports rapid antigen tests are being sold at heavily inflated prices.
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.
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.