On Friday, Australia reported at least 47 COVID-19 deaths, including 23 in Victoria and 10 in New South Wales (NSW) and nine in Queensland.
Western Australia recorded a decline in new cases (15,205) after hitting a record high of 17,105 daily new infections on Thursday. There were 304 people in hospitals. WA also reported five historical deaths.
NSW reported its lowest number of people in hospitals (1,226) and ICU (41) since 4 April. However, the number of hospitalisations has been rising in the Australian Capital Territory.
The ACT reported 84 people with COVID-19 in hospitals on Friday.
Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia here.
Australian voters who tested positive for COVID-19 on or after 6 pm, 13 May, can now vote using their phones. Earlier the cut off was 17 May. However, voters are advised to expect delays.
Telephone voting is available on:
- Friday 20 May 2022 8.30am to 6pm local time
- Election day Saturday 21 May 2022 8am to 6pm local time
The World Health Organization has authorised the emergency use of CONVIDECIA, a vaccine manufactured by China's CanSino Biologics, as the 11th COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine has 64 per cent efficacy against symptomatic disease and 92 per cent against severe COVID-19.
Find a COVID-19 testing clinic
Register your RAT results here, if you're positive