Qld health chief upbeat but mandate wary
Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard has outlined the future of pandemic restrictions in the state and his aims for COVID-19.
virus diseases
Belgium nightclubs open, France masks fall
Authorities in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have announced a relaxation of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
Vaccine protest as doctors launch campaign
The prime minister says he understands the concerns of anti-vaccination protesters, as the AMA launches a campaign for more public hospital funding.
Virus breach may put Neville Power in jail
A businessman who headed up Prime Minister Scott Morrison's national COVID-19 economic advisory group could face jail over a West Australian quarantine breach.
Qld cases up, unveils $200m for airlines
Queensland has reported 14 virus deaths and 5977 new cases as it unveils a $200 million packaged designed to encourage airlines back to the state.
Spain drops masks, Africa cases optimism
Spain has lifted a requirement to wear masks outdoors as COVID-19 infections dip while a WHO official says there is "light at the end of the tunnel" for Africa.
Novavax rollout to begin from next week
The protein-based vaccine Novavax will begin its rollout on Monday, one week ahead of schedule.
Qld govt ready to intervene in aged care
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she will raise aged care issues with national cabinet as the sector deals with COVID-19 outbreaks
Qld has eight deaths, 5854 new virus cases
Queensland has eight deaths and 5854 new COVID-19 cases as calls grow for a review of vaccinate mandates after the state passed the 90 per cent double-jab mark.
Vic extends third dose mandate by a month
Victoria has extended by a month the deadline requiring key workers to have a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
AstraZeneca booster provisionally approved
The AstraZeneca booster shot has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for people aged 18 and over.
Sweden ends testing, UK to scrap iso rules
People will no longer be required to isolate in England if they test positive for COVID-19 within weeks as Swedish authorities move away from mass testing.
COVID boosters to be required in aged care
Adults who have received a COVID-19 booster are considered "up to date" with their vaccines under new advice from the nation's immunisation advisory group.
Qld govt keen to assist aged care centres
The Health Minister says the Queensland government is assisting private aged care amid anger over how a facility has handled a COVID-19 outbreak.
Federal call for tourism vaccine unity
Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan has slammed the possibility of Victoria requiring overseas tourists to have three vaccine doses to enter, rather than two.
Vic won’t water down COVID check-in rules
Check-in requirements at Victorian venues that don't require proof of COVID-19 vaccination will remain in place despite Queensland ditching them.
Qld records deadliest day of pandemic
Queensland has recorded its deadliest 24-hour period of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 24 people succumbing to the virus including 16 in aged care.
Vaccine protesters admitted to parliament
Federal MP Craig Kelly has allowed a small group of anti-vaccination protesters inside Parliament House as demonstrations continue outside.
Qld hits 90pct, over 70s slow on boosters
Queenslanders have built up COVID-19 immunity with double vaccination hitting 90 per cent, but authorities are concerned about boosters among older people.
Aged care minister bucks calls to resign
Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck has defended the federal government's handling of the COVID-19 response in the sector.
Defence force to help aged care sector
Members of the Australian Defence Force will be deployed to help assist aged care facilities as they deal with COVID-19 surges.
Overseas tourists to return on February 21
Australia's ban on international tourists will end on February 21 after a decision by the federal government, with double vaccination required for entry.
Qld has 19 virus deaths, ditches check-ins
Queensland has recorded another 19 COVID-19 deaths and 4701 new cases as the state edges closer to 90 per cent double dose vaccination for those over 16.
PM keen to get international borders open
Prime Minister Scott Morrison wants to get international borders open as soon as possible but without impacting Australia's hospital system.
Qld aged deaths show boosters lag: Miles
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles says the state's COVID-19 death figures are showing that not enough aged care residents have had a booster vaccine.
First guests arrive at Qld quarantine camp
The first guests have settled in to the Queensland government's regional COVID-19 quarantine facility.
Qld reports a record 21 COVID-19 deaths
Another 21 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland, the most in a 24-hour period for the state which has recorded 8508 new cases.
Spain drops outdoor masks, US cases slip
Coronavirus infection numbers are dipping in the United States and Spain while cases continue to rise in South Korea.
Australia reaches 95pct vaccination target
Some 95 per cent of Australians have been vaccinated against COVID-19, with the country now boasting one of the world's highest jab rates.
Carnival exit hits Aussie cruise industry
International cruise ship line Carnival has cancelled its operations in Australia in another blow to the country's stalled industry.
WA hospital doctor positive for COVID-19
A doctor at a Perth metropolitan hospital is among Western Australia's latest COVID-19 cases, as isolation rules hit mines and schools.