NZ records five COVID deaths, 12,011 cases
New Zealand's COVID-19 outbreak has doubled overnight, with 12,011 new cases on Friday and five deaths.
virus diseases
Nev Power sentencing delayed over no-show
High-profile businessman Neville Power will have to wait until next month to learn whether he will face time in prison over breaching WA's quarantine laws.
Clive Palmer leaves hospital after test
Businessman and aspiring comeback politician Clive Palmer, who has been ill for days, has left hospital where he was taken by ambulance for a COVID-19 test.
NZ cases hit 6137, begins new virus plan
New Zealand has reported a record 6137 community COVID-19 cases and one death, as hospitalisations top 200 for the first time.
Vic scorns fed govt call for kids vax push
The federal government's call for Victoria to launch a COVID-19 vaccination program in schools to lift rates has prompted backlash from Premier Daniel Andrews.
Iceland, Poland end curbs as HK tightens
Prime Minister Mario Draghi says Italy's COVID-19 state of emergency will end on March 31 as authorities in Iceland announce the end of all restrictions.
Pharmacists call for more vaccine support
The pharmacy peak body has called for greater financial remuneration to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine, as the Moderna rollout for children begins.
NT records 864 new COVID-19 cases
The Northern Territory has recorded 864 new cases of COVID-19, with 786 coming from rapid antigen tests.
Qld records 6300 virus cases, 37 deaths
Another 37 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 6300 new cases.
Delay for under-5s COVID vaccine approval
The medical regulator says vaccine approval for under-fives will not be considered until after Easter, as Moderna gets the green light for six to 11-year-olds.
New COVID-19 cases in WA surge by 643
Western Australia's Omicron case numbers have more than doubled overnight, with 643 new local infections and five people in hospital.
Experts seek higher child vaccination rate
Health experts are set to meet next week to discuss the use of schools and other means to boost the COVID-19 vaccination rate for children.
WA faces ‘half a million’ Omicron cases
Long-awaited health department modelling suggests Western Australia will record almost 500,000 Omicron cases in the next six months.
Vic eyes NSW pact on COVID-19 iso changes
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged his state and NSW could form a unity ticket on COVID-19 isolation rules if easing isn't agreed at national cabinet.
Household iso rules could be relaxed: Hunt
Health Minister Greg Hunt has indicated there is further capacity to reduce isolation requirements for household contacts to match those for essential workers.
Tas quarantine escapee loses jail appeal
A NSW man who sparked a lockdown in Tasmania has lost his appeal against a jail sentence for breaching public health requirements and domestic violence orders.
Qld records 4114 COVID cases, six deaths
The Queensland government is "on track" to lift a statewide suspension of elective surgery as it records another six COVID-19 deaths and 4114 new cases.
Flights back, trains gone as NSW reopens
International arrivals have been met by a welcoming committee as they touched down in Sydney, but faced limited options when it came time to leave the airport.
First tourists touch down after two years
Australia's international borders have reopened to tourists for the first time in two years, sparking happy scenes at airports across the country.
Queen has COVID, suffering mild symptoms
Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for COVID-19 but the 95-year-old is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.
Queen Elizabeth catches COVID: palace
Queen Elizabeth is experiencing mild symptoms after testing positive for COVID but expects to continue light duties this week, Buckingham Palace says.
Qld records two COVID deaths, 4265 cases
Another two people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland with the state recording 4265 new cases but student infections are continuing to decline.
Tourists coming back as borders open: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is urging international tourists to return to Australia with the nation's borders due to open on Monday.
Qld reports 10 virus deaths, 4919 cases
Queensland has recorded 10 COVID-19 deaths and 4919 new cases, with an official decision on easing restrictions likely next week.
Joy as virus restrictions ease, for now
Victoria has recorded 20 COVID-19 deaths and NSW 12 as residents in those states and the ACT enjoy greater freedoms after many restrictions were scrapped.
Qld govt mulls easing virus restrictions
Queensland has recorded nine COVID-19 deaths and 5795 new cases with authorities to discuss where restrictions can be eased in coming days.
COVID-19 restrictions ease in Victoria
Victoria has recorded 6935 new COVID-19 cases and another 14 deaths, as the state eases some restrictions.
Industry calls for unified COVID-19 rules
As jurisdictions ease their COVID measures, leading industry groups have called for states and territories to be on the same page when it comes to restrictions.
NSW easing raft of COVID-19 restrictions
Singing and dancing will be allowed at all NSW venues from Friday, except music festivals, as COVID-19 restrictions are eased in over a week.
Qld govt stays mum on Wellcamp lease cost
The Queensland government says the cost of leasing the Wellcamp quarantine facility is confidential, as the Liberal National Party calls for a probe.
Masks remain as Vic scraps density limits
Victoria's hospitality density quotas and some QR check-ins will be scrapped on Friday, but mask rules will stay, as the state begins moving "back to normal".