COVID-19 providing ‘real challenges’: PM
The prime minister says he will work closely alongside states and territories to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the winter surge.
virus diseases
Aust bolster Comm Games COVID-19 measures
Australia's Commonwealth Games athletes won't be permitted to attend other venues to watch their teammates among measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Treasurer defends end of free RAT scheme
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government can't continue to give free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for concession card holders indefinitely.
Albanese RAT call, COVID ship hits Sydney
As a cruise ship with more than 100 COVID-19 cases docks in Sydney, Anthony Albanese has urged concession card holders to get free RATs while they still can.
GPs, pharmacists urge free test extension
Medical experts want the government to extend the free rapid test program for concession card holders, saying scrapping it sends the wrong public message.
Vic govt knocks back mask mandate advice
Official advice to reintroduce COVID-19 mask mandates has been rejected in Victoria, as the state government puts the onus on employers.
PM defends end to pandemic leave payments
Anthony Albanese has ruled out reintroducing pandemic leave payments, saying the federal government needs to be fiscally responsible.
COVID ship docks in NSW as crew isolates
A cruise ship experiencing an outbreak of the virus among staff has arrived at Eden on the south coast.
Two people exposed to Hendra virus horse
Two people exposed to a horse infected with Hendra virus in North Queensland are set to receive antibody treatment.
COVID-19 reinfections rising, experts warn
Infectious diseases experts have warned COVID-19 reinfections are becoming more common across the country due to new sub-variants of the virus.
Government defends pandemic payment end
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says government payments for those isolating for COVID were never meant to be a permanent measure.
Qld virus outbreak spreads to cruise ship
Queensland authorities say a COVID-19 outbreak on a cruise ship "was always going to happen", but the proper protocols to manage it are in place.
Minister defends pandemic payment end
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says government payments for those isolating for COVID were never meant to be a permanent measure.
Boost to COVID-19 response with extra shot
An additional 7.4 million people will be eligible for a fourth COVID-19 shot as health authorities address rising hospitalisations and deaths.
PM urges eligible to get second booster
As evasive new Omicron variants fuel a rise in COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is urging those eligible to get their fourth vaccine dose.
Australia ‘beyond’ mask mandates, lockdown
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says Australians must make their own COVID-19 choices as experts back a decision to expand access to a fourth vaccine dose.
Queensland hospitals hunker down for virus peak
Most of Queensland major hospitals have halted non-urgent procedures and care as the state's number of active COVID-19 cases surges towards 41,000.
Qld hospitals may halt elective surgeries
Elective surgeries may be suspended again in Queensland as the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state nears 40,000.
COVID-19 health toll exposed in new report
A biennial report into Australia's overall health has laid bare the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on death rates, mental health and vulnerable communities.
Millions gain access to fourth COVID shot
More people have become eligible for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose, with all Australians over the age of 30 now in line for a second booster injection.
Qld urged to prepare for third virus wave
Queensland authorities are urging people to prepare for a third COVID-19 wave saying "it's very likely that either you or someone you know" will be infected.
COVID boosters a matter of urgency: PM
State and territory health experts are considering whether to expand the availability of fourth vaccine doses as concerns rise over COVID-19 subvariants.
NSW warned third COVID-19 peak on its way
NSW Health expects COVID-19 cases will peak in late July and early August at levels similar to January, when Omicron cases were surging.
Experts consider fourth COVID-19 vaccine
States and territories are considering reintroducing face mask mandates as experts eye expanding eligibility for a fourth dose COVID vaccination.
Charges over fatal COVID aged care cluster
WorkSafe Victoria has charged St Basil's Homes for the Aged with nine breaches of occupational health and safety law over its COVID-19 management.
Calls to lower age limits for fourth doses
As Australia exceeds the 10,000 COVID-19 deaths mark, an infectious diseases expert has called for the fourth dose age limit to be lowered from 65 to 50.
Australian virus border restrictions end
Australia's pandemic death toll has tipped past the grim milestone of 10,000 fatalities, as the country prepares to lift all border restrictions.
Australia nears 10,000 COVID-19 deaths
The country will likely reach the grim milestone on Sunday amid renewed calls for vaccine boosters and possible mask mandates.
Health ministers meet as COVID cases rise
Health Minister Mark Butler says the government cannot continue to fund COVID-19 payments and urged people to get their boosters as soon as possible.
Emergency payments end before COVID surge
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the government can't continue to fund COVID-19 payments and urged people to get their boosters as soon as possible.
Virus vaccine contract review ordered
An urgent review of Australia's pharmaceutical contracts to help the nation best respond to new COVID variants has been ordered by the federal government.