NSW, Vic iso ends for household contacts
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has welcomed the end of home isolation for household contacts of people with COVID-19 in NSW and Victoria.
virus diseases
Vic scraps vax economy, relaxes iso rules
Victoria will relax a raft of COVID-19 rules, including scrapping compulsory seven-day isolation for close contacts and its controversial "vaccinated economy".
Isolation for household contacts to end
Isolation rules for household contacts of people with COVID-19 are tipped to ease in NSW and Victoria.
Mask mandates fall in Spain and US
The United States, Belize, Germany, Indonesia and Senegal will co-host the second Global COVID-19 Summit in May.
Calls to ease COVID-19 isolation rules
Business groups say it's time to scrap the seven-day isolation period for household contacts of people with COVID-19, which they blame for staff shortages.
First cruise ship docks in Aust since 2020
P&O Australia's Pacific Explorer has become the first cruise liner to dock in Australia since a ban triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Cruise ships return after two-year ban
Cruise liners are making a return to Australia's ports after a two-year absence triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Labor MP Bowen tests positive to COVID
Labor MP Chris Bowen will self-isolate for the next seven days after he tested positive to COVID-19.
More COVID deaths in residential aged care
More than 1000 people in Australian aged care homes have died from COVID-19 this year, more than in the previous two years combined.
Latest snapshot of coronavirus impact
The latest snapshot of COVID-19 cases, deaths and vaccinations in Australia at 1600 AEST on Thursday, April 14.
Queensland lifts vax, check-in mandates
Unvaccinated Queenslanders can return to many venues after changes to mandates officially came into effect.
WA past Omicron peak, national cases rise
COVID-19 restrictions are easing in Western Australia as other states and territories grapple with rising case numbers.
Tasmania in no rush to allow cruise ships
The Tasmanian government has indicated it is in no hurry to welcome back international cruise ships, despite the imminent end of a federal ban on the vessels.
Reunion joy as Australia-NZ flights resume
Jacinda Ardern says the reopening of flights between Australia and New Zealand feels longer-lasting this time around amid joyful airport family reunions.
WA eases COVID-19 rules but masks remain
Western Australia will move to the national definition for COVID-19 close contacts but proof of vaccination and mask-wearing mandates will remain in place.
Federal minister positive for COVID-19
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews is in isolation after contracting COVID-19, a day after her Labor counterpart Kristina Keneally also tested positive.
NSW keen to drop close contact isolations
NSW hopes other states and territories will get onboard with changes to close contact isolation rules, but convincing Victoria alone could be enough.
Vic child mask mandate could be scrapped
Victorian children returning to school in term 2 may not have to wear masks, after the state government announced new COVID-19 travel measures.
Senior federal ALP MP contracts COVID-19
The Labor candidate for the NSW lower house seat of Fowler in Sydney's southwest, Kristina Keneally, is going into isolation after contracting COVID-19.
‘Telephone’ voting for COVID-19 iso cases
A telephone voting system is set to be rolled out for the 2022 federal election, allowing those in COVID-19 isolation on polling day to cast their ballot.
New Liberal health minister pick imminent
The prime minister will announce Greg Hunt's replacement as health minister within days, as ATAGI declines to approve COVID-19 booster shots for under-16s.
No boosters for 12 to 15-year-olds
Australians aged between 12 and 15 don't require a COVID-19 booster yet, says the nation's vaccine advisory group.
Boosters approved for 12 to 15-year-olds
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has given approval for the Pfizer vaccine to be given as a COVID-19 booster to 12 to 15-year-olds.
Free RATs for Victorians with a disability
Victorians with a disability will be eligible to receive free rapid antigen tests as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the state.
Committee calls for COVID royal commission
A Senate committee examining the COVID-19 outbreak has recommended a royal commission be established to examine Australia's handling of the pandemic.
Push to move away from COVID death reports
Australia may shift to reporting "excess deaths" from COVID-19 instead of total fatalities, with the chief medical officer saying the time is right to change.
Thousands receive winter COVID-19 boosters
More than 14,000 people have received their winter booster for COVID-19 since the rollout began this week.
Ease isolation rules, PM encourages states
The debate over the future of COVID-19 isolation rules is hotting up as Scott Morrison urges premiers to weigh up the benefits of lifting restrictions.
Qld ditches vaccine rules at pubs, cafes
Rules barring unvaccinated patrons from public venues including pubs, cafes and restaurants will be ditched in Queensland from April 14.
Vaccines critical for winter protection
A surge in flu cases could be delayed until winter 2023, but health experts say it is still a good idea for Australians to protect themselves with a vaccine.
Virus cases rise as booster rollout begins
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Australia has climbed above the 500,000 mark for the first time since late-January as a second booster rollout begins.