COVID-19 update: Australia reports surge in new cases, 50 deaths

This is your update on COVID-19 in Australia for 5 May.

Healthcare workers administer COVID-19 PCR tests at a drive-through clinic on Bondi Beach in Sydney. (file) Source: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

On Thursday, Australia reported at least 50 COVID-19 deaths, including 21 in New South Wales (NSW), 14 in Victoria and 11 in Queensland. 

Western Australia reported six historical deaths and 10,182 new cases - its highest daily infections this year.

Other Australian states also reported a surge in new cases. For example, NSW reported 18,529 infections on Thursday compared with 11,929 the previous day. Similarly, Victoria reported an increase from 10,779 to 11,596.

Hospitalisation is also on the rise in some states.

Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia here.

NSW reported two BA.5 infections in recent overseas returned travellers in its weekly health report on Thursday. State authorities have detected seven BA.4 infections to date. Of the seven people, five are overseas returned travellers. 

The Australian Capital Territory has clarified that frontline health workers are required to take a third vaccine dose even though the vaccine mandate for other health workers and teachers ends on 13 May. 

South Australia plans to lift its emergency management declaration by the end of June. 

The declaration was introduced on 22 March 2020. It gives the police commissioner and state emergency coordinator powers to impose restrictions and lockdowns.

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