French, Russia curbs fall amid China spike
China has banned most people from leaving a coronavirus-hit northeastern province as pandemic restrictions ease in the UK, France and Russia.
virus diseases
Qld Health Minister diagnosed with COVID
Another two people have died of COVID-19 in Queensland while 3797 new cases have been recorded, including Health Minister Yvette D'Ath.
Qld virus laws ‘no longer fit for purpose’
Queensland's Human Rights Commission has questioned the powers needed to manage the pandemic as the state shifts into a living with COVID-19 phase.
NSW records 8911 COVID-19 cases, one death
NSW has recorded 8911 COVID-19 cases and one death and the government is urging two million eligible people to get a booster shot as a new sub-variant spreads.
Cruise ship ban slated to end in April
Trade and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan says a ban on cruise ships will likely end on April 17, with a formal announcement expected on Wednesday.
New virus cases remain in the thousands
While Australia's governments want to relax isolation requirements, COVID-19 infections remain in the thousands and the number of deaths continues to climb.
WA virus cases could hit 10,000 a day
Western Australia's health minister says the state is only at the start of its Omicron outbreak as WA records more than 3000 new COVID-19 cases.
More Japanese encephalitis in NSW, Vic
NSW has recorded another confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis, while Victoria has reported two probable cases.
French cases rise as China locks down city
Record COVID-19 infections numbers have risen in France while Chinese authorities ordered a lockdown in the city of Changchun.
Cases doubling in WA as Omicron peak looms
There are 92 people in hospital with COVID-19 in Western Australia and three in intensive care after the state recorded a further 5005 new infections.
Qld records 8 virus deaths, 4327 new cases
Another eight COVID-19 deaths and 4327 new cases have been recorded in Queensland, with Annastacia Palaszczuk saying the state is "coming off" its Omicron wave.
Work needed to combat encephalitis spread
An infectious disease expert says work is needed to understand the spread of Japanese encephalitis in southern Australia, as the government unveils a $69m plan.
No quarantine for close contacts flagged
National cabinet has agreed to transition to no longer requiring all COVID-19 close contacts to quarantine.
WA has 4535 new virus cases, three in ICU
Western Australia has recorded 4535 new COVID-19 infections, while the number of cases in hospital has grown to 80 including three in ICU.
Novavax takes first steps to kids’ vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has opened the door to Novavax applying in April to register its COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 and older.
Fourth Japanese encephalitis case in NSW
A fourth case of Japanese encephalitis has been confirmed by NSW Health, with residents urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
ACT reports 821 new COVID-19 cases
The ACT has reported 821 new cases of COVID-19, with 37 patients in hospital in the territory.
Qld auditor general to probe Wellcamp
Queensland's auditor-general will probe the cost of the Wellcamp quarantine facility as the state records another five COVID-19 deaths and 4571 new cases.
Fears over new Omicron strain in NSW
There is a new, more contagious Omicron strain of COVID-19 spreading in NSW that's driving a spike in numbers, with fears cases could double within weeks.
Qld has 13 virus deaths, 4801 new cases
Another 13 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland with the state also recording 4801 new cases.
WA close contact rules change, cases rise
Western Australia's close contact COVID-19 isolation rules have changed for critical workers ahead of the expected Omicron peak.
ACT records 838 new cases of COVID-19
The ACT has registered a spike in new COVID-19 cases, with 838 infections reported on Wednesday.
NSW man dies with Japanese encephalitis
NSW Health has confirmed a man aged in his 70s is the second Australian to die after contracting Japanese encephalitis.
Rate rise plausible this year: RBA’s Lowe
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe has told a business conference that a rise in the cash rate is plausible this year.
NSW has 13,179 COVID-19 cases, 9 deaths
There are 13,179 new cases of COVID-19 NSW and nine more deaths, while more than 56 per cent of adults have had a booster vaccine.
Albanese pledges Hawke-style government
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says he wants to govern like former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke if he is successful at the May federal election.
RBA’s Lowe warns of inflation, rate risks
RBA governor Philip Lowe says inflation could reach four per cent-plus as a result of the impact on prices of the Australian floods and war in Ukraine.
Five virus deaths, 4397 new cases in Qld
Another five people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 4397 new cases, but hospitalisations have fallen to less than 270.
Victorian man dies from encephalitis
A Victorian man has died from encephalitis, as confirmed national cases rise to nine and warnings the floods may result in a surge of cases.
ACT records rise in infections, 658 cases
Hospitalisations and COVID-19 cases have risen in the ACT, with Canberra registered 658 new infections.
COVID uncertainty here to stay: Morrison
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned of the threat of new COVID variants, saying uncertainty about the virus would remain for some time.