Calls for rapid antigen tests in schools
A leading epidemiologist has called for students to be given rapid antigen tests "every other day" because children aged five to 11 are largely unvaccinated.
A leading epidemiologist has called for students to be given rapid antigen tests "every other day" because children aged five to 11 are largely unvaccinated.
NSW is working on legally requiring people to report a positive result from a self-administered rapid antigen test so it doesn't lose sight of infections.
Health authorities are trying to figure out how students can safely return to the classroom as Omicron COVID-19 cases rise across the country.
Supermarkets are expected to be better stocked over coming days as new rules come into force allowing supply chain workers greater freedom from quarantining.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the start of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has gone well despite concerns about staffing and logistical issues.
The latest snapshot of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Australia at 1730 AEDT on Monday, January 10.
Victoria is yet to reach its peak in COVID-19 infections, the health minister warned as he announced a booster mandate for critical workers and other changes.
New measures adopted by NSW, Victoria and Queensland exempting more critical workers from COVID-19 isolation will go before national cabinet for discussion.
A quarter of the 419 people in hospital in Queensland with COVID-19 are from the Gold Coast, as the state records 9581 new cases.
NSW has reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths, including a young child, as the number of people hospitalised with the virus rises.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says work is under way to ensure the reopening of schools for the new year is harmonised across the country.
The start of Queensland's school year could be delayed further as authorities vaccinate children over the age of five before the COVID-19 outbreak peaks.
The federal government has warned people not to hoard rapid testing kits as pharmacies expressed concern about how free tests will be rolled out.
Victorian GPs are receiving child COVID-19 vaccine doses in "sporadic" and "inadequate" numbers, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says.
Premier Dominic Perrottet says NSW has purchased a further 50 million rapid antigen test kits which will be distributed across the state.
Lieutenant General John Frewen says vaccine supply for children aged between five and 11 isn't an issue as he works to overcome distribution problems.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says there will be three million COVID-19 vaccines available over January for the children's program which begins on Monday.
Victoria isn't planning on delaying the start of the school year as kids over five become eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.
The daily death toll from COVID-19 has spiked to 20, with NSW reporting 16, its highest number since the pandemic began.
The start of the school year will be delayed two weeks for most Queensland children after the state recorded another 18,000 COVID-19 cases.
The Australian Medical Association says the nation's healthcare system needs extra support as COVID-19 cases surge towards a peak that is still weeks away.
Workers who return a positive COVID-19 rapid antigen test will soon be able to access pandemic leave disaster payments .
Queensland has reported 11,174 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths, as the state suspends non-urgent elective surgeries for eight weeks.
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More of the economy is coming under strain as Omicron ravages supply chains and uncertainty affecting everything from recruitment to farmers, food and shops.
The Queensland government is poised to decide in the coming days whether to suspend all elective surgery when the state's COVID-19 outbreak peaks.
Changes to biosecurity laws have come into place, making it illegal for retailers to mark up prices on rapid antigen tests by more than 20 per cent.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating with his family.
NSW is sticking to its plan to return students to classrooms at the start of February, before most primary school aged children can be fully vaccinated.
As Australia recorded another one-day high for daily COVID cases, multiple jurisdictions have reintroduced pandemic restrictions to halt Omicron's spread.
Western Australia has recorded its first locally acquired Omicron case as authorities ease a face mask mandate in some public indoor venues.
Queensland has recorded 10,953 new COVID-19 cases as the state considers delaying the return of primary school students to class.