Arm yourself against COVID-19
A COVID-19 vaccine is your best defence and our only way forward.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The latest official coronavirus news, updates and advice from the Australian Government.
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News and updates
Update from National Cabinet: 6 August
All leaders reiterated the importance of Australians, especially those in vulnerable groups, to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are registered for use in Australia and are proven to be effective in preventing serious illness and death, as well as limiting transmission.
Australia’s policy remains that vaccines should be voluntary and free.
Businesses have a legal obligation to keep their workplaces safe and to eliminate or minimise so far as ‘reasonably practicable’ the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Decisions to require COVID-19 vaccinations for employees will be a matter for individual business.
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TGA provisionally approves Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has provisionally approved Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia in those aged 18 years and older.
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Mental health clinics to support Australians in lockdown in NSW and VIC
Ten new Head to Health mental health support sites for areas facing extended COVID-19 restrictions in and around Greater Sydney, and the extension of at least 12 clinics in Victoria until 30 June 2022.
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Lockdown restrictions in place for Cairns and Yarrabah LGAs
Stay up to date with restrictions in your area.
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National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response
National Cabinet agreed to the four-step National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response. The National Plan provides a graduated pathway to transition Australia’s COVID-19 response from its current pre-vaccination settings to post-vaccination settings.
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Lockdown restrictions in place for metropolitan Melbourne
Stay up to date with restrictions in your area.
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Lockdown restrictions in place for parts of NSW
Restrictions are changing often, stay up to date with restrictions in your area.
Lockdown restrictions are currently in place for the following areas and LGAs:
- Ballina, Byron, City of Lismore and Richmond Valley LGAs
- Tamworth LGA
- Armidale LGA
- Newcastle, Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Port Stephens and Singleton
- Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour.
Key updates
Up-to-date coronavirus alerts and news.
Getting tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you need to get tested for COVID-19, you have a few different options. Depending on where you live, you may be able to visit a:
- Pop up testing centre
- GPs office
- Respiratory clinic
- Drive through testing site
Mental health resources
It’s especially important to take care of your mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus.
Find useful information and resources on the Head to Health website.
For personal crisis and mental health support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 44 or Beyond Blue on 1800 512 358 at any time.
You can also check emergency support and assistance.
State and Territory Government information
Refer to your local state government for the latest responses to the coronavirus pandemic. You can also check restrictions in all states and territories using the COVID-19 Restriction Checker.
