China reports huge rise in COVID-19 deaths
China has reported a massive jump in COVID-related deaths since its strict anti-virus regime was abandoned last month.
virus diseases
WHO urges shorter COVID-19 isolation time
The World Health Organisation has recommended that people without COVID-19 symptoms be allowed to end their period of isolation after five days.
Virus cases in post-Christmas decline
The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 went into steep decline in the weeks following Christmas after peaking just before the holiday break.
WHO urges plane travellers consider masks
The XBB.1.5 version of the Omicron coronavirus variant is on the rise in the United States and Europe, according to the World Health Organisation.
Deaths from virus spike amid call for calm
Australia's weekly COVID-19 data shows cases falling in Victoria and NSW while deaths rise, but health experts say it's too early for major concern.
Division over China travel test rule
Travellers arriving from China are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test after restrictions came into effect.
Ministers chastised for health advice snub
Anne Ruston says the government is undermining Australians' trust in medical experts by inferring advice from the chief medical officer wasn't cautious enough.
Chinese state media plays down COVID wave
China has rejected criticism of its COVID data and its state media has called other nation's new curbs on Chinese traveller's "discriminatory".
Minister defends COVID travel advice snub
Mark Butler says he is taking an abundance of caution in requiring travellers from China to record a negative COVID-19 test despite advice against the measure.
COVID test required of arrivals from China
Travellers from China will need to undergo mandatory testing for COVID-19 before boarding a flight to Australia, the health minister has announced.
Chinese travellers to face COVID tests
Travellers from China will need to undergo mandatory testing for COVID-19 before boarding a flight to Australia, the health minister has announced.
Fears mount over any China virus variants
Australian health authorities are being urged to keep a close eye on possible new COVID-19 variants coming out of China as cases spike.
COVID travel curbs ‘discriminatory’: China
The latest wave of China's COVID infections is likely to reach its peak in the next two weeks, with an estimated 9000 people dying every day.
No change for Chinese travellers, yet: PM
The government hasn't changed its travel advice for China and is monitoring the situation after a handful of countries imposed COVID-19 restrictions overnight.
COVID wave nears pre-Christmas peak
Health Minister Mark Butler warns Australia's latest COVID-19 wave still has a way to go despite case numbers starting to plateau as Christmas approaches.
Alerts linger as COVID-19 hits NSW peak
Infections of COVID-19 are likely to fall in Australia's most populous state, NSW, but experts warn the national health emergency is far from over.
Hopes for end to pandemic in 2023
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says he is hopeful that the COVID-19 pandemic will no longer be considered a global emergency some time next year.
St Basil’s bosses ordered to give evidence
St Basil's Home for the Aged bosses have lost their challenge against giving evidence about the deaths of 50 residents during a COVID-19 outbreak.
Beijing quiet as virus continues to impact
Cities, like Beijing, which were already battling severe COVID-19 outbreaks have seen a sharp fall in activity after regular testing rules were stopped.
COVID case rise slows, peak on horizon
Weekly COVID-19 infections have risen six per cent in the past week as new data shows Australia experienced higher-than-average deaths from January to August.
Scarlet Fever alert follows UK deaths
Parents are warned to be alert but not alarmed following numerous deaths linked to children contracting Scarlet Fever in the United Kingdom.
PM to meet virtually with state colleagues
National cabinet is set to meet virtually after the in-person meeting was delayed when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tested positive for COVID-19.
Health ‘not set up’ for long-COVID in kids
The NSW health system is not well organised to manage long-COVID cases among children, a federal parliamentary inquiry has been told.
COVID curbs ease across China after unrest
Lockdowns and restrictions have begun easing in some towns and districts as China prepares to announce revised COVID-19 quarantine rules.
COVID-19 cases rise across the nation
Weekly COVID-19 case numbers have jumped 20 per cent in NSW and Victoria with the latest wave of infections blamed on new Omicron sub-variants.
COVID protests grow in China’s Guangzhou
Protesters' clashes with police in Guangzhou have marked an escalation in rallies against China's strict COVID-19 rules.
China authorities seek COVID-19 protesters
Simmering discontent with stringent COVID-19 prevention policies three years into the pandemic have ignited into broader protests in cities across China.
Complacency over COVID-19 despite new wave
Most Australians have become complacent about COVID-19, believing the worst is over despite a new wave starting and different variants emerging.
More China lockdowns amid virus record
China has reported its highest number of daily COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic began nearly three years ago.
COVID-19 cases soar amid fourth wave
COVID-19 cases are soaring across Australia as a fourth wave passes through and authorities begin urging people to mask up.
Bat behaviour sparks Hendra virus risk
An Australian study has revealed encroachment into the habitat of bats is driving them into agricultural areas, increasing the risk of Hendra virus spillover.