Approval given to Novavax COVID vaccine
Australia's medicines regulator has approved the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
virus diseases
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.
Scrap international testing: Vic airport
Melbourne Airport has urged the Australian government to consider dumping pre-flight testing for some international travellers, in line with domestic settings.
Omicron-related deaths ‘are yet to peak’
While COVID-19 cases may have started to flatline, the chief medical officer has warned deaths from the Omicron variant have yet to reach their high point.
NZ considering new COVID border strategy
COVID-19 Minister Chris Hipkins says New Zealand will make a fresh call on border settings "within the next couple of weeks".
Winter wave warning for COVID-19
Australia's chief medical officer has warned of another spike in COVID-19 cases over winter as the country hovers near the peak of the current wave.
Qld concern over slowing COVID vaccination
Slowing vaccination rates among a key age group are concerning authorities in Queensland where 16 new deaths were recorded in people with COVID-19.
Private hospital COVID-19 plan triggered
Health Minister Greg Hunt says Australia has activated an agreement to make more than 100,000 private hospital staff available to help COVID-affected areas.
Qld health minister blasts PM over RAT ad
The Queensland health minister says it is "absolutely appalling" that federal government ads are spruiking free rapid antigen tests at state clinics.
Tas drops rules for vaccinated travellers
Fully vaccinated people entering Tasmania will no longer need to have a rapid antigen test before arriving, or register their travel.
Qld reports 16 virus deaths, 15,962 cases
Another 16 people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state records 15,962 new cases, with authorities urging people to get booster vaccinations.
Aged care COVID-19 outbreaks growing
More than half of Australia's aged care facilities will be hit with a COVID-19 outbreak, according to providers within the sector.
NSW reports 36 deaths, nearly 30,000 cases
Premier Dominic Perrottet says people have to get on with life as the NSW records its deadliest day of the pandemic, with 36 deaths reported and 29,830 cases.
Anger at COVID support cuts as peak nears
The Australian Council of Social Service has expressed dismay at the federal government's decision to taper support payments as COVID cases continue to rage.
Lone Qld region remains free of COVID-19
The outback region of Boulia is now Queensland's only local government area yet to record a COVID-19 case after Pormpuraaw in Cape York reported its first.
SA abattoir defends handling of virus
The operators of an abattoir in SA's southeast have defended their handling of a coronavirus outbreak that spread from the local community to the facility.