Coronavirus (COVID-19) current situation and case numbers
We are managing the COVID-19 outbreak in Australia as a health emergency. We will update this page every day by 9 pm AEST with the current situation, latest case numbers and related information.
At a glance
Local outbreak information
Check your local state or territory website for directives and travel restrictions.
The first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia were reported in late January 2020. This page provides a number of visual representations of information about COVID-19 in Australia. Our data is collated and updated every day by 9pm AEST and reflects the previous 24 hours.
Further reports on the incidence, severity and distribution of COVID-19 within Australia are published in the Communicable Diseases Intelligence (CDI) Journal. Additionally, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) common operation picture provides a traffic light report of the COVID-19 situation across Australia.
COVID-19 summary data tables are available through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).
COVID-19 summary statistics
The below tiles show the:
- total number of COVID-19 cases, active cases and deaths recorded in Australia since the first case was reported. Note: the number of active cases is an estimate as states and territories differ in how they collect this data
- number of locally acquired, including under investigation and overseas acquired cases in the last 24 hours
- current number of hospitalised cases and tests conducted in the last 24 hours
- number of locally acquired, including under investigation and overseas acquired cases in the last 7 days.
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. *Locally acquired cases reported in the last 24 hours and in the last 7 days includes cases reported as under investigation.
Hello, I am here again, with James to do our Top 3.
Firstly, a shout out to everyone who has been waiting patiently for that COVID test. We have seen a significant increase in the number of tests done in recent weeks, in recent days, that is really encouraging.
Thank you in particular to those in Queensland, or who have travelled to Queensland, and have been getting those tests done. We know that this is an important part of preventing any spread and has been able to identify any further outbreaks.
First question, how can people best practice themselves on COVID 19 this long weekend?
Great question, this weekend, we know for many of us particularly on the eastern seaboard, this is going to be a great weekend to get out and about. So get out in the fresh air and make the most of the great weather. But those things that we have been doing all year now, since the outbreak of this pandemic, we need to keep doing.
Hand hygiene, physical social distancing where you can, cough into your elbow, use a tissue and throw it away if you blow your nose and that 1.5 physical distancing.
Really importantly, if you are unwell or have any flu like symptoms, do stay home and arrange to get tested. That’s such an important part of preventing the spread of COVID 19.
Second question, are COVID 19 vaccine side effects continuing to be monitored and recorded in Australia?
Yes they are. So the Therapeutic Goods Administration, or the TGA, continuously monitor any side effects from the vaccines. Some side effects are very mild, as they are often with other vaccines.
TGA work with a whole range of stakeholders to monitor those side effects and continue to look at what advice we give to you, the community about these side effects. If you’ve got any concerns about side effects, there are lots of places where you can get information, including our website, health.gov.au. You can talk to a health professional, your GP, a nurse, doctor, a whole range of people, or when you go to get your vaccine, do ask about the sorts of side effects you can expect to see. Usually you will be given written information that will explain what you can expect after your vaccine.
Finally, who can I talk to if I am feeling unsure about getting the COVID 19 vaccine?
I think it is important, that being hesitant, or being a little nervous about being vaccinated is normal. None of us really want to get an injection, but we all know how important this is.
So firstly, it really is OK to ask questions. You need to get the best information you can so that you are well informed. So again, you might choose to go to health.gov.au. and that will give you comprehensive information about the vaccine, and that includes in multiple languages, if English is not your first language. Also again, you might talk to a health professional about your concerns, so that you can talk through with them your fear and they will help you feel comfortable about making that choice.
So I encourage you, it is really important that we all know that this vaccine is an important part of our armoury to getting back to normal and preventing further transmission of COVID 19 into the community. I encourage you to do it, but it is OK to be hesitant. Together, we can stop the spread.
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.
Cases, active cases and deaths by state and territory
Locally and overseas acquired COVID-19 cases and deaths by states and territories
This table shows the number of locally or overseas acquired cases, active cases in the last 24 hours, and the total number of confirmed cases and deaths 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.
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.
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.
Cases by source of infection
COVID-19 cases by source of infection
This table shows the total number of COVID-19 cases in each state and territory as well as nationally, since the first case was reported, by source of infection.
This table shows the total number of COVID-19 cases in each state and territory as well as nationally, since the first case was reported, by source of infection.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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, 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.
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.