NSW lags in booster race as cases hit 20k
The NSW opposition says the government has allowed the rate of booster doses to fall behind other Australian states as new cases top 20,000.
virus diseases
Japanese encephalitis PCR tests available
Accurate tests are readily available to detect Japanese encephalitis, a specialist says, as NSW records its eighth case in the current virus outbreak.
Italy, Germany curbs end amid China spike
Many pandemic restrictions are set to be lifted in Italy and Germany, officials have announced.
More support for aviation critical: report
A parliamentary committee has recommended the federal government provide ongoing support to the aviation industry as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.
Qld records 10 COVID deaths, 7190 cases
Another 10 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in Queensland while the state also has 7190 new cases.
NSW COVID-19 pandemic deaths surpass 2000
NSW has recorded more than 2000 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic, as the state records more than 20,0000 new cases.
Qld detects encephalitis at second piggery
Biosecurity Queensland says the Japanese encephalitis virus has been found at another piggery in the state, but it hasn't revealed the facility's location.
Global virus cases rise ‘tip of iceberg’
The World Health Organisation says new coronavirus infections have risen by 8 per cent globally in the past week.
War will depress growth globally, PM warns
Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes the war in the Ukraine will likely depress global economic growth.
Vaccine target nears as COVID cases surge
Australia is set to pass 20 million first doses in just days, but it comes as COVID-19 infections rise rapidly across the country.
Qld has three new deaths, defends mandate
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended the state's COVID-19 vaccine mandate as 6136 new cases and three deaths were recorded.
NSW COVID-19 case spike due to data glitch
NSW has reported 30,402 COVID-19 cases but NSW Health says it includes about 10,000 positive rapid antigen tests missed due to a glitch.
NZ reopening to Australians from April 13
New Zealand will reopen to Australia from next month, with the Kiwi tourism minister telling Aussies, "We have missed you".
Namibia, Netherlands to remove virus curbs
The Dutch government says it will drop its last remaining COVID-19 restrictions next week and Namibian authorities say masks are no longer required in public.
More Japanese encephalitis detected in Vic
The mosquito-borne virus Japanese encephalitis has been detected in more Victorian pig farms.
April COVID-19 surge predicted in NSW
The NSW health minister is warning that COVID-19 cases are set to surge, according to the researchers who predicted the state's summer Omicron wave.
Cruise lines welcome overturn of ban
Cruise lines will be able to resume operating in Australia from April 17, but additional safety measures will be in place.
WA ups free RATs as COVID-19 spike looms
The West Australian government has boosted a free Rapid Antigen Test kit rollout to households to ensure people are ready for the Omicron variant wave
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.
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.