On Wednesday, Australia reported at least 61 COVID-19 deaths, including 26 in New South Wales (NSW), 24 in Victoria and six in Queensland. Also, Western Australia reported two historical deaths.
NSW reported its highest daily COVID-19 cases (9,472) and deaths (26) for this month.
The number of hospitalisations continues to rise in Queensland. The state reported 497 people with COVID-19 on Wednesday compared to 491 the previous day.
Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory reported 1,157 and 1,085 new infections, their highest number of daily COVID-19 cases over the past four weeks.
Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia here.
The BA.5 variant is expected to drive new infections and put pressure on the hospital system in the state. However, researchers say the new wave is unlikely to be worse than the previous ones.
The SA Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a father who didn't want his five-year-old daughter under the state care to get vaccinated against coronavirus. The man approached the SC after the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) rejected his plea earlier this year.
Health Minister Mark Butler said Australia will contribute to a new global fund set up to protect countries against future pandemics.
Qantas has scrapped masks on international flights to the US, the UK and parts of Europe. However, face masks are still mandatory on flights within Australia and to other countries.
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