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.
virus diseases
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.
Monday start for winter booster rollout
Older and vulnerable Australians will soon be able to receive a second COVID-19 booster, which is considered critical to protect at-risk people ahead of winter.
Nauru reports first cases of COVID-19
Two people who travelled by plane to Nauru from Brisbane have tested positive to COVID-19, the first two cases detected in the Pacific nation.
Winter booster rollout to start on Monday
Older and vulnerable Australians will soon be able to receive a second COVID-19 booster shot.
Qld warns elective surgeries could be cut
Some Queensland hospitals are considering suspending elective surgeries with the state dealing with 59,300 active COVID-19 cases.
Pakistan, Italy wind down virus campaign
Official campaigns to combat COVID-19 are winding down in Pakistan and Italy.
Overhaul of COVID-19 quarantine proposed
One of Australia's leading health bodies has recommended quarantine measures be removed for COVID-19 close contacts.
Qld quarantine hotels cost $500,000 a day
Contractual obligations and regional provision have pushed Queensland to a $27 million spend on hotel quarantine since opening its Wellcamp facility in February
Swiss, Bulgaria curbs go as WHO mulls end
The World Health Organisation has released a plan that includes three possible scenarios for how the coronavirus might evolve in the coming year.
COVID-19 cases high as restrictions ease
COVID-19 restrictions have been eased across three states, despite the recent rise in national cases.
Industry sectors fear waning COVID support
The federal budget provided funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID surge in winter but industries are concerned the ball could be dropped.
Government prepares for winter COVID spike
The federal budget, released on Tuesday night, provides funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID-19 and flu spike in winter.
Exports and innovation in $600m ag spend
The government's agriculture budget aims to make it easier for farmers to export their products, with hopes the sector will be worth $100 billion by 2030.
Teen COVID boosters being considered
Case numbers of COVID-19 have been increasing across the country in recent days due to infections linked to an Omicron sub-variant.