Vics take lead on virus variant research
A new research project which will be undertaken at Victoria's Vaccines Collection biobank will hopefully help experts prepare for new COVID-19 strains.
virus diseases
Belgium, Nepal to end virus restrictions
Belgium will scrap the need to show a COVID-19 pass for indoor venues while Nepal will end all curbs in the Kathmandu valley as US mask requirements ease.
Warnings on unapproved rapid tests
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has warned Australians against using rapid antigen tests that have not been approved for use.
WA has 2137 new Omicron cases, peak looms
Western Australia has recorded 2137 new COVID-19 cases, with the state's Omicron outbreak expected to peak within coming weeks.
Qld to ditch mask mandates, density limits
Queensland will scrap its mask mandate from 6pm Friday as overall virus numbers continue to fall.
Fewer businesses facing COVID disruptions
New figures have revealed 15 per cent of businesses had staff unavailable due to COVID-19 in February, down from 22 per cent in January.
Victoria reports 26 COVID-19 deaths
Eighteen of Victoria's newly-reported reported COVID-19 deaths occurred in January, as the state's health minister faced pandemic committee questioning.
Aust bolsters Japanese encephalitis plan
Japanese encephalitis virus has been declared a nationally significant communicable disease incident, triggering extra resources for states and territories.
Japan opens, France drops virus passport
Health authorities in Sweden say coronavirus cases are falling sharply as Japanese officials announce more students will be allowed to enter the country.
SA virus cases rise, five more deaths
South Australia has reported a third day in a row of rising COVID-19 cases along with five more deaths.
Qld records 6 COVID-19 deaths, 6479 cases
Another six people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 6479 new cases.
Four Japanese encephalitis cases in Vic
Japanese encephalitis has been detected in humans in southern Australia for the first time, after four Victorians contracted the virus.
Australia reunited as WA hard border drops
Australians are now free to travel to every state and territory after Western Australia's hard border restrictions, imposed during the pandemic, ended.
Anti-vaxxers set NZ parliament lawn ablaze
Anti-vax protesters have lit fires on the lawns outside New Zealand's parliament as police attempt to end their 23-day occupation of the grounds.
Novavax recommended as COVID booster
Australia's immunisation authority has recommended Novavax be used as a COVID-19 booster dose where mRNA vaccines are not available.
Australia set to be reunited as WA reopens
Pre-pandemic interstate travel will be back on the cards when WA's hard border comes down to the rest of the country.
Qld records 24 COVID-19 deaths, 5011 cases
Another 24 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 5011 new cases, with 316 people in hospital and 26 in intensive care.
Minister and PM test positive to COVID-19
Senior minister Ben Morton, a close colleague of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, is also isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.
PM Morrison says he has COVID-19
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he has tested positive to COVID-19 after developing a fever.
Qld records 10 deaths, 4453 COVID cases
Queensland has recorded 4453 COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths, with mask restrictions set to be scrapped this week.
Aged care groups welcome dual jab plan
Peak bodies for aged care have welcomed the possibility of residents receiving a fourth COVID-19 vaccine and flu jab at the same time, ahead of winter.
Qld records 3312 COVID-19 cases, one death
Queensland has reported 3312 COVID-19 cases and one death as the state prepares to scrap mask mandates in most indoor settings.
Omicron prompts NZ into border shake-up
From later this week, Kiwis abroad will no longer need to quarantine or self-isolate to enter New Zealand.
Virus vaccine milestone for Aussie kids
More than half of Australia's five to 11-year-olds have received their first COVID-19 vaccine.
Japanese encephalitis warning for Victoria
Victoria's chief health officer is warning of the risk of Japanese encephalitis, with evidence of the virus found in animals in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
Qld records 5440 new cases, seven deaths
Another seven people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 5440 new cases but the amount of children with the virus is declining.
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.
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.