Qld hospitals ‘bearing’ flatter virus wave
Queensland has another 13 COVID-19 deaths and 10,212 new cases, but hospitals are coping as the number of virus patients is lower than the thousands expected.
virus diseases
ACT records two deaths, 756 cases
A man in his 40s and a man in his 90s have become the latest deaths linked to the ACT's COVID-19 outbreak.
Virus precautions keeping more Queenslanders out of hospital
Another 13 people have died in Queensland's COVID-19 wave as the state records 10,212 new cases and 879 people with the virus are being treated in hospital.
Novavax shot available from late February
Australia's newest COVID-19 vaccine Novavax will be distributed from February 21 after being ticked off by ATAGI.
NSW COVID-19 patients rise, 24 more dead
NSW has reported its lowest daily COVID-19 tally this year, but hospitalisations have risen by more than 100 and are nearly as high as last week's peak.
Victoria has 11,695 virus cases, 17 deaths
Victoria has posted 11,695 new COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths after the state government unveiled a plan to keep students in classrooms amid the Omicron wave.
Shortages plague concessional RAT rollout
The federal government's concessional access to COVID-19 rapid antigen tests has begun, but pharmacists say supply shortages could delay the rollout.
Hanson calls for pandemic royal commission
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called for a royal commission into the COVID-19 pandemic, after this year's federal election.
More deaths, school COVID plans revealed
A further 58 virus-related deaths were recorded across the country on Sunday as its two biggest states announced their return-to-school plans.
Two RATs per week for Vic pupils, teachers
Rapid antigen tests will be handed out to students and teachers across Victoria to keep schools open when face-to-face classes resume.
Qld has 10 COVID-19 deaths, 11,947 cases
Queensland has recorded another 10 COVID-19 deaths and 11,947 cases as the state prepares to ramp up its booster rollout after cutting waiting times.
RATs for pupils in NSW back-to-school plan
Two rapid antigen tests per week will be supplied to students and teachers across NSW schools as part of COVID-19 measures for the start of the school year.
Victoria has 13,091 virus cases, 14 deaths
Victoria has posted 13,091 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths ahead of the unveiling of the state's plan to protect students and staff when classes resume.
WA needs new transition plan: Nationals
WA Opposition Leader Mia Davies is calling on Premier Mark McGowan to provide a new transition plan as the state records 11 new COVID-19 cases.
Samoa locks down after Qld plane cases
The prime minister of Samoa has placed the country into a 48-hour lockdown after 15 passengers on a flight from Australia tested positive for COVID-19.
Hunt doubles down on Qld rapid test claims
The federal government has denied claims it requisitioned rapid antigen tests from Queensland, despite reaching a $26 million deal with a known supplier.
Testing requirements relaxed for arrivals
The requirement to receive a negative PCR test within three days of flying to Australia has been scrapped, with a rapid antigen test to be accepted from Sunday.
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.
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.