International arrivals to use RATs
Travellers entering Australia from overseas will be able to show a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours of the departure time to gain entry.
virus diseases
Two COVID deaths in ACT, 826 new cases
The death toll from the pandemic in the ACT has risen to 22, with two new COVID-19 fatalities reported in the latest period, as new infections remain stable.
Qld cuts COVID-19 booster waiting time
Another 13 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland and the state has 16,031 new cases, as the waiting time for a third vaccine jab is cut to three months.
First virus death in Tas since reopening
Tasmania has recorded its first coronavirus-related death, a 90 year old unvaccinated woman, since reopening its border, as it posted 866 new virus infections.
Qld doctors demand COVID-19 surge plans
Queensland doctors are demanding to see government plans for testing and managing workers during the COVID-19 surge.
Victoria has 18,167 virus cases, 20 deaths
Victoria has posted 18,167 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths, as eight state-run vaccine hubs embark on a four-day booster blitz.
NSW deadliest day as toll hits 1000 deaths
NSW has recorded 25,168 new COVID-19 cases and 46 deaths as a leading epidemiologist warns the number dying each day won't begin to fall for some time.
Taskforce to examine RAT price gouging
The AFP has launched a specialist taskforce to crack down on reports rapid antigen tests are being sold at heavily inflated prices.
States to announce specific school plans
States and territories have largely decided to go their own way on return to school plans, only agreeing to six broad principles through national cabinet.
WA premier flags major COVID announcement
Western Australia's premier has flagged an important announcement as COVID-19 continues to spread through the state ahead of the February 5 border reopening.
Qld test claims ‘categorically untrue’: PM
Scott Morrison says rapid antigen suppliers claiming that kits ordered by Queensland have been redirected by the Commonwealth are not telling the truth.
Qld reports 9 virus deaths, 16,812 cases
Queensland has recorded another nine COVID-19 deaths, including that of an 18-year-old with "significant" underlying health issues.
New COVID vax, treatments get green light
Australia will get a fourth type of COVID-19 vaccine, as two oral treatments for the virus were also granted approval by the medical regulator.
Police investigate COVID-19 test fraud
The Therapeutic Goods Administration says police are looking into companies making false claims about COVID-19 testing kit approvals.
Approval given to Novavax COVID vaccine
Australia's medicines regulator has approved the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
Qld govt sees potential three-jab mandate
The Queensland government hopes enough people get a COVID-19 vaccine booster, but believes the definition of "fully vaccinated" will likely change three jabs.
NSW reports 25 deaths, fewer in hospital
NSW has reported a small drop in COVID-19 hospitalisations, 25 deaths and 30,825 cases as the state increases its order of RATs to 150 million.
First COVID-19 oral treatments approved
The medical regulator has approved the first two oral anti-viral treatments for COVID-19 for use in Australia.
NSW school parents urged to get boosters
NSW remains committed to getting children back in classrooms on the first day of term while parents are advised to get booster shots as eligibility changes.
Leaders to discuss safe school start
National cabinet is meeting to discuss a safe start to schools, while leaders will be updated on the vaccine rollout, health system and epidemiology.
LNP calls for action at SEQ hospital
Queensland's Opposition leader says he has received "deeply concerning" feedback about a hospital in the state's southeast and has called for action.
Time for families to reunite: Qld Premier
The Queensland premier says it is time for families to reunite, with restrictions for fully vaccinated international travellers to be lifted this weekend.
MP’s anti-vax views ‘dangerous’: Morrison
Scott Morrison has told people to ignore comments made by backbencher George Christensen that urged parents not to get their children vaccinated.
No need for daily workplace rapid test: PM
Scott Morrison has urged businesses not to enforce rules requiring employees to return daily negative rapid tests, saying it would further hit supplies.
Qld to open final border amid outbreak
Twice-vaccinated international travellers can fly into Queensland without quarantine from Saturday as the state records 11 COVID-19 deaths and 19,932 new cases.
Canberra records 1467 new COVID-19 cases
The number of COVID-19 patients in ACT hospitals has started to decrease slightly, as the territory records another 1467 new cases.
NSW school return sparks COVID surge fears
The return to school could trigger a further rise in virus cases in NSW, as children recommence face-to-face learning amid the state's virus peak.
School testing a matter for the states: PM
The school year starts in less than two weeks and the federal government is still preparing a COVID safety plan which will ultimately be decided by the states.
Incentives for more students, backpackers
Visa application fees for backpackers and international students will be covered by the federal government in an attempt to address the workforce crisis.
Qld to reopen international border on Sat
Twice-vaccinated international travellers who test negative for COVID-19 will be able to fly into Queensland without any restrictions from 1am on Saturday.
Vic reduces vaccine booster dose interval
Victoria has reduced the wait between second COVID-19 vaccine and booster to three months.