COVID 19

As aged care facilities across the country battle COVID-19 outbreaks, with nearly 10,000 people infected with the virus, the federal government says older Australians are

One in 12 public hospital beds across Australia are filled by a COVID-19 patient despite fewer people ending up in intensive care than during previous waves of the virus.

A spike in Victoria's reported COVID-19 deaths is not cause for alarm as the state hits the peak of its latest Omicron wave, the chief health officer says.

COVID-19 hospitalisations in Queensland are not likely to peak for another month, with the latest modelling projecting a maximum caseload of about 1660 in late August.

Young Australians have been disproportionately disadvantaged by the government's COVID-19 pandemic response and urgent support is needed, a new report says.

Victoria's Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie proposed a return to working from home earlier this month amid a fresh wave of COVID cases, documents show.

Medicare will cover long consultations by GPs to prescribe COVID-19 antivirals within days. Health Minister Mark Butler says the new temporary MBS items will

Vulnerable communities across NSW can access 10 free rapid antigen tests over three months, with the state expanding its concession program as COVID-19 cases surge.

The federal government has reinstated the $750 pandemic isolation payment following widespread criticism. Speaking after a fast-tracked national cabinet meeting

About 25 million children around the world missed out on routine vaccinations that protect against life-threatening diseases last year, as the knock-on effects of the COVID-19

New antiviral drugs prevent COVID-19 from multiplying in the body and can ultimately save lives, experts say. The oral medicines Lagevrio (molnupiravir) and

Eligibility for potentially lifesaving COVID-19 antiviral treatments is to be widened. Health Minister Mark Butler says Australians over 70 who test positive

The federal government hasn't received any advice on retightening COVID-19 mandates, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says, as evasive new Omicron variants fuel a rise

Evasive new Omicron variants are fuelling a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations across Australia but experts say it is too early to know if they cause more severe

More free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests will be available at schools and early childhood centres across Victoria during terms three and four. Each student and

Queensland's biggest hospitals have suspended non-urgent surgeries and other care ahead of the peak of the state's third COVID-19 wave. Another 13 people

Three thousand more Australians died in the first two months of this year than expected, but it wasn't all down to the unfolding Omicron wave of COVID-19, a new study

Expanding eligibility for a fourth COVID-19 jab could leave those most vulnerable to the virus, including the elderly, behind in the broader vaccine rollout, a leading expert

Some elective surgeries may be suspended again in Queensland as the state government pleads with residents to get their booster jabs amid a third COVID-19 wave.

Australia is expected to follow other parts of the world in expanding eligibility for a fourth COVID vaccine dose to the wider population. As the nation grapples