On Wednesday, Australia reported at least 57 COVID-19 deaths, including 20 in Victoria, 15 in New South Wales (NSW) and 12 in Queensland.
Health Minister Mark Butler on Channel 7 said it's likely that millions of Australians could catch COVID-19 infection in coming weeks. He urged residents to wear face masks in crowded indoor spaces.
Mr Butler said he has not received advice that schools could go into lockdowns during term 3.
Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia .
The federal government will not extend the COVID-19 rapid test Concessional Access Program past July 2022. The program offers up to five free tests each month to people holding a Pensioner Concession card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Care card; Low Income Health Care card and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange cards.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked concession cardholders to stock up on free RATs. However, pharmacists and doctors urged the federal government not to end the program amidst a rise in new infections and hospitalisations.
The COVID-19 stricken cruise ship Coral Princess has docked in Sydney for a day. The vessel has 118 COVID-19 positive passengers and crew on board.
Of the 118 positive people, 114 are crew members. Passengers were allowed to disembark in Sydney after they returned a negative COVID test.
The World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 continues to be a public health emergency of international concern, or pandemic, after the 12th meeting of its Emergency Committee on 8 July.
South Australia has started a new pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic in the West Parklands. The clinic offers the Pfizer vaccine to those aged five and over and a fourth (winter) dose for people aged 30 and over.
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Register your RAT results here, if you're positive