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.
virus diseases
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.
NSW reports 5 virus deaths, 13,018 cases
More than 13,000 people in NSW have been newly diagnosed with COVID-19 and five elderly people have died after contracting the virus.
Qld records one virus death, 3,677 cases
Another person has died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 3,677 new virus cases after the first mask-free weekend since early January.
Global COVID-19 death toll nears 6 million
The world is on the verge of recording its six millionth official death linked to the coronavirus.
COVID booster push for older Australians
An infectious diseases expert has urged the government to refocus efforts on getting COVID-19 booster shots into more older Australians.
Nearly one in five virus cases in WA, SA
More than 22,000 new COVID-19 cases have been reported across Australia along with a further 13 virus-related deaths.