- The number of COVID-19 deaths in NSW is likely to rise over the coming days due to the spread of the virus in the community, the state's Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has warned.
- NSW recorded 17 virus-related deaths and has seen increases in the number of those being treated in hospitals and in intensive care.
- Dr Chant reiterated that "having that booster is critical to upping your level of protection" against Omicron, as she reported that 95 per cent of samples taken in the past two days from a private pathology laboratory were the variant.
- Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says despite the high number of undetected infections in the community, the state will soon reach a "peak" in cases.
- Statistics from Queensland show someone who is unvaccinated is 24 times more likely to end up in ICU compared to those who have had three doses.
- Australia's consumer watchdog, the ACCC, says it is concerned about continued price gouging on RAT kits.
- The ACCC analysed more than 1,800 reports of price hikes on the essential item since December 25 and is now averaging close to 150 reports a day.
- Victoria has launched a $1.2 million initiative to increase vaccinations in multicultural communities, which will see eight community organisations deliver tailored, in-language support and engage with people online, at shopping centres and vaccination hubs.
- The federal government will introduce temporary specialist inpatient telehealth - via video and phone - including initial and complex specialist telephone consultation items, and longer telephone consultations for GPs until 30 June.
- The COVAX global vaccine-sharing programme has delivered one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, yet over 40 per cent of the global population remains unvaccinated.
A number of states have set up RAT registration forms.
COVID-19 Stats:
New South Wales recorded 29,504 cases and a further 17 deaths. Victoria has recorded 22,429 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths.
Queensland recorded 15,122 new cases and seven deaths, while Tasmania reported 1,037 cases.
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There are changes to the COVID-19 Disaster Payment once states reach 70 and 80 per cent fully vaccinated:
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