Australia reported at least 32 COVID-19 deaths, including 13 in Victoria and 10 in New South Wales and nine in Queensland, on Wednesday. Western Australia's daily figures included 10 historical deaths.
The number of people with COVID-19 in New South Wales hospitals has been rising. There were 1,743 people in hospitals on 27 April compared with 1,418 on 4 April.
Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia here.
Western Australia and the Northern Territory have become the latest states to follow New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital in easing requirements for close contact of COVID-19 positive cases. South Australia is expected to follow suit next week.
From 12.01 am Friday, 29 April, asymptomatic close contacts in Western Australia are no longer required to isolate, provided they follow strict protocols.
Asymptomatic close contacts must undertake daily rapid antigen tests, wear a face mask outside their home, avoid high-risk settings, work from home where possible, and notify their employer or educational facility.
Symptomatic close contacts must isolate until symptoms resolve and get tested as per existing protocols.
Western Australia has also removed the requirements for face masks (except for specific settings like hospitals and residential aged care), two square metre rule and proof of vaccination. However, mandatory workplace vaccination requirements remain in place.
The G2G Pass requirement for arrivals into WA and vaccination requirements for interstate travellers will end on 29 April. However, unvaccinated international arrivals are still required to quarantine for seven days. This requirement will be reviewed in four weeks.
In Northern Territory the following changes have come into effect from 12.01 am today.
- Asymptomatic close contacts who have received three vaccine doses are no longer required to isolate. However, they still need to have a RAT within the first three days after exposure and on day 6.
- They must wear a mask for seven days outside their home and can't visit high-risk settings. They must inform their employer or school that they are a close contact. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated close contacts must continue to isolate for seven days.
- Close contacts who have COVID-19 symptoms must immediately isolate, get tested for COVID-19 and remain in isolation until symptoms resolve.
South Australia insists that face masks are still mandatory for all adults, including visitors, at schools. Face masks are mandatory for students in years 7 to 12 but are "strongly recommended" for years 3 to 6 in the state.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has tested positive for COVID-19. However, President Joe Biden and his wife are not close contacts.
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