Coronavirus (COVID-19) current situation and case numbers
This page provides updates about the current situation, latest case numbers and related information. It is updated every day by 9 pm AEST and reflects the previous 24 hours.
Local outbreak information
Check your local state or territory website for directives and travel restrictions.
We are managing the COVID-19 outbreak in Australia as a health emergency. This page provides a number of visual representations of information about COVID-19 in Australia.
COVID-19 summary statistics
The below tiles show the:
- number of locally acquired, overseas acquired and under investigation cases in the last 24 hours
- current number of active cases, hospitalised cases and tests conducted in the last 24 hours. Note: the number of active cases is an estimate as states and territories differ in how they collect this data
- total number of cases, deaths and tests.
Note: States and territories provide these figures daily. Due to the dynamic nature of case data, state and territory health departments may revise their daily numbers, where historic cases may be added or previously reported cases excluded after further investigation.
Daily data on the status of Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout is now available. This includes a detailed infographic and breakdown of vaccine doses administered across Australia. See the latest data on Australia's vaccine rollout.
Good morning. I am Doctor Lucas de Toca and I lead the Department of Health's COVID-19 Primary Care Response. Welcome to Top Three. Today I'm, once again, joined by Linda who will be doing Auslan interpreting. Thank you Linda. My shout out goes to the health workers all across Australia that are working in COVID-19 assessment and testing centres. It is through their tireless work and that of pathology technicians and pathology experts in that pathology labs that we can actually identify community transmission and get on top of any cluster before it becomes a major outbreak. Thank you for everyone working in Covid testing and thank you for everyone who’s actually getting tested. As usual are on the land of the Ngunnawal people. Dhawra nhuna, dhawra Ngunawal. Yanggu gulanyin ngalawiri, dhunayi, Ngunawal dhawra. Wanggarralijinyin mariny balan bugarabang. First question. Where can I get credible information about potential COVID-19 vaccine wait times? The best way to get information on where to get your vaccine, potential waiting time and to make appointments directly, is to go to the online Vaccine Clinic Finder and Eligibility Checker on health.gov.au. The online Eligibility Checker and Vaccine Clinic Finder allows you to check whether, quite obviously, you are eligible for the vaccine, and if you are not eligible, it allows you to register your interest so that you get a notification when you become eligible as the eligibility changes, and also if eligible allows you to see a list of clinics nearby you where you can sort by proximity to your location or by available appointments and you can directly book through the online appointment system if they have so or just making a phone call to place an appointment. There is a little toggle that allows you to switch between showing the clinics that are closest to you and showing the clinics that are closest to you but have their earliest available appointment which is a really useful feature, and that way you can see which clinics have the vaccine and which ones have appointments near you. If you can’t or don't want to go online, you can also get that information in the National Coronavirus Information Helpline on 1800 020 080. And they have access to the Eligibility Checker and the Vaccine Clinic Finder so you can get the same information over the phone. Second question. Can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am over 50 now that people who are 40 years and over are eligible? Absolutely. When eligibility for the vaccine changes, and as it’s happened this week, now everyone 40 years and over from today is eligible everywhere in Australia to get a vaccine, that doesn't mean people who were previously eligible stop being eligible. We’ve just opened up eligibility to anyone between 40 and 49 but people 50 years and over continue to be eligible as they were before. People 50 years and over are recommended to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, and people under 50 are recommended to get the Pfizer vaccine, but anyone 40 years and over is eligible to get the vaccine now and can do so by going to the Vaccine Clinic Finder on the Department of Health's website or through the Coronavirus Helpline. In many cases they’ve been proactively reached out by the GP to offer an appointment. Remember, in addition to anyone 40 years and over, younger people, 16 years and over, are still eligible if they are in one eligibility categories in phase 1. So all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 16 years and over, people in health care, aged, disability and other critical and emergency occupations, and people with underlying conditions and a series of chronic conditions and any NDIS participant who is 16 years and over, including any carer of an NDIS participant if the carer is 16 years and over. So really wide eligibility for a lot of people and all the information as usual on health.gov.au. And finally, are certain groups of people, such as children, more susceptible to new variants of COVID-19? When we talk about variance, we talk about the virus changing. Mutation just means change, and every virus when it replicates, when it divides and create copies of itself, has a chance of making an error in that replication and, as part of that error, mutation emerges. Most mutations go away or are selected out because they break the virus and don't allow the virus to continue to grow, but some mutations confer the virus, what’s called an advantage, and it might then be selected and a new variant of the virus emerges. That happens with all viruses as part of evolution and the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is no exception. At the moment the significant numbers of circulating virus, high levels of circulating virus across the world, which means there are lots of replication events, which means the likelihood of mutation is high and that’s what we are seeing, a number of variants emerging throughout the world. What the mutations in those variants mean and what impact they have in transmission, severity and how it reacts with your immune system, it’s still being understood. It seems like some variants have an impact on increasing the risk of transmission, they are more infectious, they have a higher chance of being spread onto others, but it isn’t clear whether any of these variants actually cause more severe disease. It doesn't seem to be the case. We are observing that during the first wave in Europe, in the US and other countries that experience very significant first waves, adult infection was way more common than infection in younger people. And what we are seeing in the UK now is that with the infections they have at the moment where the so-called Delta variant, or variant B1.617.1 is very common at the moment, the infection seems to be happening at a higher rate in children than it did before. It is still predominantly adults but we are seeing more children getting infected than before. So public health authorities are still investigating whether that is something that is a natural thing of the virus in its current version or whether it’s actually triggered by other circumstances like the fact that a significant number of adults in the UK have either had the virus or been vaccinated, so there’s still emerging information, however it does not seem that the Delta variant, or B1617, has a higher risk of creating, generating severe disease or that the disease caused in children is any different. With this variant, as with any other variant of COVID-19, the older person is the higher the likelihood of severe disease is. And that is why it is so important that in Australia, wherever you are, if a vaccine is available for you and you are eligible to get it, we strongly recommend that you get it because the vaccines are very effective at protecting from that severe disease, from ending up in hospital or even from dying from COVID-19. Only through vaccination and public health measures, like the ones we’ve been doing over the last year and a bit, movement restrictions when public health authorities impose lockdowns, physical distancing, good hand hygiene and of course, isolating and getting the test if you have symptoms, no matter how mild they are, are the best ways to control the circulation of the virus, making sure that there’s not a lot of replication happening and reducing the likelihood of new variants emerging. That's all for today. Thank you so much for watching. Thank you for staying CovidSafe and see you next time.
We are no longer displaying the ‘at a glance’ infographic on this page. Instead, you can view the daily infographics on the collection page.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) at a glance infographic collection
A collection of daily infographics providing a quick view of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Australia each day since 5 April 2020.
Recently reported cases by state and territory and source of infection
Local, overseas acquired and under investigation cases by states and territories
This table shows the number of cases by source of infection in the last 24 hours and last 7 days as well as the number of active cases that have occurred in Australia.
State and territory totals reflect where a person has been tested and public health management occurred, which may differ from their normal place of residence.
The majority of total confirmed cases and deaths are from Victoria.
The number of confirmed cases and deaths reported in each state and territory since the first case was reported in late January 2020. State and territory totals reflect where a person has been tested and public health management occurred, which may differ from their normal place of residence.
As per the COVID-19 national guidelines, a COVID-19 confirmed case is a person who:
- tests positive to a validated specific SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test or
- has the virus isolated in cell culture, with PCR confirmation using a validated method or
- undergoes a seroconversion to or has a significant rise in SARS-CoV-2 neutralising or IgG antibody level (e.g. four-fold or greater rise in titre).
Probable and historical cases are currently included in the total number of cases reported by some jurisdictions, these are defined as per the COVID-19 national guidelines.
Probable and historical cases are currently included in the total number of cases reported by some jurisdictions, these are defined as per the COVID-19 national guidelines.
The method used to estimate the number of active cases varies by jurisdiction.
Find out more about the current situation in your state or territory:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Daily reported cases
Daily and cumulative number of reported COVID-19 cases in Australia
This graph shows the total number of new COVID-19 cases in Australia reported each day by states and territories and the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported over time. These figures are collated and updated by 9 pm AEST each day and reflect the previous 24 hours.
This bar chart shows the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases by notification received date.
The line graph shows the cumulative number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases by notification received date.
The horizontal axis shows the date of notification to state and territory health departments.
The vertical axis on the left shows the number of new COVID-19 cases, represented by the bars.
The vertical axis on the right shows the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases, represented by the line.
As per the COVID-19 national guidelines, a COVID-19 confirmed case is a person who:
- tests positive to a validated specific SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test or
- has the virus isolated in cell culture, with PCR confirmation using a validated method or
- undergoes a seroconversion to or has a significant rise in SARS-CoV-2 neutralising or IgG antibody level (e.g. four-fold or greater rise in titre).
The first cases of COVID-19 in Australia were identified in late January 2020. Following a peak of cases at the end of March, low numbers of cases were reported each day until early-June 2020. From mid-June 2020, cases increased and peaked in early August 2020 and then declined. Since late-September 2020, a low number of new cases continue to be reported each day.
Total COVID-19 cases in Australia by source of infection
Total COVID-19 cases in Australia by source of infection
This table shows the number of COVID-19 cases by source of infection for each state and territory, since the first case was reported. The table also shows the total number of cases and deaths by state and territory.
This table shows the number of COVID-19 cases by source of infection for each state and territory, since the first case was reported. The table also shows the total number of cases and deaths by state and territory.
The source of infection for confirmed cases of COVID-19 can be described as:
- overseas acquired – the person was infected while overseas (including at sea)
- locally acquired – known contact – the person was infected in Australia through contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19
- locally acquired – unknown contact – the person was infected in Australia, but the source of infection is not known
- locally acquired –interstate travel – the person was infected in Australia, but not in the reporting jurisdiction
- under investigation – the source of infection has not yet been determined, but is currently being investigated through public health actions.
The majority of confirmed cases since late October have been overseas acquired.
The number of cases currently under investigation should ideally be as low as possible.
Knowing the source of infection assists in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
A COVID-19 death is defined for surveillance purposes as a death in a probable or confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID19 (e.g. trauma). There should be no period of complete recovery from COVID-19 between illness and death. Where a Coroner’s report is available, these findings are to be observed.
Cases and deaths by age and sex
COVID-19 cases by age group and sex
This graph shows the number of COVID-19 cases for males and females by age group since the first case was reported.
This bar chart shows the number of COVID-19 cases for males and females by age group since the first confirmed cases were reported in late January 2020.
The horizontal axis shows the age breakdown in 10-year intervals from zero years old to greater than 90 years old.
The vertical axis shows the number of COVID-19 cases.
As per the COVID-19 national guidelines, a COVID-19 confirmed case is a person who:
- tests positive to a validated specific SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test or
- has the virus isolated in cell culture, with PCR confirmation using a validated method or
- undergoes a seroconversion to or has a significant rise in SARS-CoV-2 neutralising or IgG antibody level (e.g. four-fold or greater rise in titre).
The proportion of COVID-19 cases in males and females is roughly equal, however the ratio does differ across the age groups presented.
Cases have been reported across all age groups. The majority of all cases are reported in those aged 20 to 59 years. The number of cases is highest in the 20–29 years age group.
Cases by age group and sex
This table shows the same information as the matching graph: the number of COVID-19 cases for males and females by age group since the first case was reported.
The data is shown in 3 columns:
- age group ranges
- male
- female.
COVID-19 deaths by age group and sex
This graph shows the number of COVID-19 associated deaths in Australia for males and females by age group since the first case was reported.
This bar chart shows the total number of COVID-19 associated deaths in Australia by age group and sex since the first confirmed cases were reported in late January 2020.
As per the COVID-19 national guidelines, a COVID-19 death is defined for surveillance purposes as a death in a probable or confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID19 (e.g. trauma). There should be no period of complete recovery from COVID-19 between illness and death. Where a Coroner’s report is available, these findings are to be observed.
Deaths have been reported in those aged in their 20s to their 100s. The majority of deaths have been reported in people aged 70 years and over.
The horizontal axis shows the age breakdown in 10-year intervals from zero years old to greater than 90 years old.
The vertical axis shows the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths.
Deaths by age group and sex
This table shows the same information as the matching graph: the number of COVID-19 associated deaths in Australia for males and females by age group since the first case was reported.
The data is shown in 3 columns:
- age group ranges
- male
- female.
Tests conducted and results
COVID-19 tests conducted in total in the last 7 days and results
This table shows the number of COVID-19 tests conducted in total and in the last 7 days, the rate of tests in the last 7 days per 100,000 population and the percentage that returned a positive result by state and territory and in Australia, since the first case was reported.
This table shows the number of tests conducted in Australia and in each state and territory, since the first case was reported in late January 2020 in total and in the last 7 days. This number is not reflective of the number of people that have been tested, but the total number of tests conducted, as individuals may have been tested multiple times. The data are based on information reported by states and territories.
Tests in the last 7 days per 100,000 population represent the number of tests conducted by each state and territory in the last 7 days as a rate of the number of people in the jurisdiction.
The testing positivity rate is also displayed. This positivity rate represents the proportion of all tests that have returned a positive result for COVID-19.
To date, over 13 million tests have been conducted nationally. Of those tests conducted, less than 1% have been positive.
Cases admitted to hospital
Current COVID-19 cases in hospitals and Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
This graph shows the number of COVID-19 cases currently admitted to hospital, including cases in ICUs, in Australia and each state and territory.
This chart shows the number of COVID-19 cases currently in hospital, including cases in ICU, in Australia and each state and territory.
Each bar represents those in ICU and those not in ICU by state and territory.
The horizontal axis shows the number of COVID-19 cases currently hospitalised.
The vertical axis shows the Australian total and each state and territory: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
Cases admitted to hospital
This table shows the same information as the matching graph: the number of COVID-19 cases currently admitted to hospital, including cases in ICUs, in Australia and each state and territory.
The data is shown in 3 columns:
- jurisdiction – with Australia in total first, then each state and territory: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
- the number of cases not in ICU
- the number of cases in ICU.
Cases in aged care services
COVID-19 cases in aged care services – residential care
This graph shows the number of confirmed active COVID-19 cases, deaths and recovered cases, in Australia and each state and territory, for people living in Australian Government–subsidised residential aged care facilities.
This graph shows the number of confirmed cases, deaths and cases recovered since late January 2020 in those who receive Australian Government–subsidised residential care in each state and territory.
Residential care means people who live in an Australian Government–subsidised aged care facility.
Each bar represents the number of active cases, recovered cases and deaths.
The bottom axis shows the number of COVID-19 cases.
The vertical axis shows the Australian total and each state and territory: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
The majority of cases and deaths reported in residential care in Australia have occurred in Victoria.
Cases in aged care services – residential care
This table shows the same information as the matching graph: the number of confirmed active COVID-19 cases, deaths and recovered cases, in Australia and each state and territory, for people living in Australian Government–subsidised residential aged care facilities.
The data is shown in 4 columns:
- jurisdiction – with Australia in total first, then each state and territory: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
- active cases
- recovered cases
- deaths.
COVID-19 outbreaks in Australian residential aged care facilities
Read the weekly report that provides a snapshot of data on the impact of COVID-19 in residential aged care facilities nationally.
The report includes data on the number of services impacted and number of staff and resident cases, as well as workforce, vaccine rollout, testing and PPE provided to affected services to support them.
COVID-19 cases in aged care services – in-home care
This graph shows the number of confirmed active COVID-19 cases, deaths and recovered cases, in Australia and each state and territory, for people receiving Australian Government–subsidised care in their own home.
The number of confirmed cases, deaths and cases recovered since late January 2020 in those who receive Australian Government–subsidised in-home care in Australia and in each state and territory.
In-home care means people who receive Australian Government subsidised care in their own home.
Each bar represents the number of active cases, recovered cases and deaths.
The bottom axis shows the number of COVID-19 cases.
The vertical axis shows the Australian total and each state and territory: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
The majority of cases reported in In-home care in Australia are in Victoria.
Cases in aged care services – in-home care
This table shows the same information as the matching graph: the number of confirmed active COVID-19 cases, deaths and recovered cases, in Australia and each state and territory, for people receiving Australian Government–subsidised care in their own home.
The data is shown in 4 columns:
- jurisdiction – with Australia in total first, then each state and territory: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
- active cases
- recovered cases
- deaths.
How Australia compares with the world
Learn more about the international situation from the World Health Organization (WHO). Read their weekly situation reports and check the WHO COVID-19 dashboard.