On Friday, Australia reported at least 157 COVID-19 deaths, including 107 in Victoria, 22 in New South Wales (NSW) and 17 in Queensland.
The Victoria government said 107 deaths include additional 105 deaths that were not reported previously. The state's average daily number of deaths over the past fortnight is 19.
Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia .
On Friday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said there were 3,593 deaths due to COVID-19 between January and April this year. These deaths were certified by a doctor.
It said nearly 60,000 deaths occurred between January and April, which is 16.8 per cent higher than the historical average.
NSW Health data shows 20,460 people have been reinfected with COVID-19 since January this year. Half of them (10,846) caught the virus for a second time within 90 days of their first infection.
Telstra's Talking Loneliness report on Friday showed more than one in four Australians experienced loneliness for the first time due to COVID-19, and 46 per cent felt lonelier due to the lockdown.
Nearly 3,000 Australians participated in the online study between 6-12 September 2021.
New AusVaxSafety-led research revealed that Australian children aged 5-15 reported fewer side effects from mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations than those reported in clinical trials and published data.
Lead author Associate Professor Nick Wood said side effect rates in Australian children aged 5–11 are below than those reported internationally.
AusVaxSafety is led by National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance and funded by the Australian Government.
From 1 August, Service Tasmania will distribute free RATs to concession cardholders instead of pharmacies.
Residents can call 1300 13 55 13 to find the nearest location of one of the 27 service centres in the state.
South Australia to hold a COVID-19 vaccination program at seven schools from 10 am to 4.30 pm on Saturday.
The clinics will also offer a fourth (winter) dose to people aged 30 and over.
The seven schools are Burton Primary School, Good Shepherd Para Vista Primary School, Grange Primary School, Marryatville Primary School, McDonald Park Primary School, Playford Primary School and
Woodend Primary School.
Find a COVID-19 testing clinic
Register your RAT results here, if you're positive