- Prime Minister Scott Morrison says that ATAGI is considering changing the booster time interval as a cabinet meeting is brought forward amid new infections.
- Some state leaders are urging the Commonwealth to shorten the booster time interval in a bid to combat infections.
- NSW Health requests close contacts to exercise caution as state records record-high infections.
- Queensland declares that Omicron is the dominant variant in the state.
- Double-dosed close contacts in Queensland will need to quarantine only for seven days as opposed to 14, from tomorrow, 22 December.
- South Australia does away with testing for interstate travellers who tested negative for COVID-19, 72 hours prior to the travel.
- New Zealand delays reopening plans until February amid Omicron fears.
COVID-19 STATS:
Victoria recorded 1,245 locally acquired cases and six deaths.
NSW recorded 3,057 new community cases and two deaths.
South Australia recorded 154 new cases.
Queensland recorded 86 new cases.
The ACT recorded 16 cases, Northern Territory 14, and Tasmania four.
Quarantine and restrictions state by state:
Travel
Financial help
There are changes to the COVID-19 Disaster Payment once states reach 70 and 80 per cent fully vaccinated: Getting help during Covid-19 from Services Australia in language
- News and information over 60 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
- Relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania.
- Information about the COVID-19 vaccine in your language.