Coronavirus Pandemic

PCR tests will require a referral from January 1

Australia has announced a major shift in the way it deals with COVID-19, with PCR testing requiring a referral from January 1.

More than 33,000 COVID-19 fines declared invalid

More than 33,000 fines issued in New South Wales at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have been declared invalid.

Mask plea from NSW Health, but no mandate coming

NSW Health is recommending masks be worn on public transport and in some indoor settings as COVID-19 cases rise, but there is little chance of mandatory restrictions returning.

Masks won’t be required on public transport from Wednesday, Premier confirms

Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from this Wednesday.

How Nepean Hospital is at the forefront of tackling ‘long COVID’

Though it seems the height of the COVID pandemic is behind us, ‘long COVID’ has become an ongoing battle for many.

Inquest hears of family heartbreak during Newmarch House COVID outbreak

Devastating family accounts have been heard as part of the coronial inquest into the 65-day COVID outbreak that occurred at Newmarch House in Kingswood.

Change to COVID protocols as cases spike in NSW

NSW Health has revised the COVID-19 reinfection period from 12 weeks down to four weeks effective from this week, as the virus continues to run rampant across the state.

New COVID vaccination rates revealed for Penrith

Around 62 per cent of Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) residents have had three or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, new figures reveal.

NSW scraps forced isolation for COVID close contacts

Close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case will no longer be required to isolate under a change to the rules announced by NSW Health today.

“Segregation approach”: Davies calls for end to vaccine mandates

Mulgoa Liberal MP Tanya Davies has attended and spoken at an anti-vax rally in Sydney today as she leads calls for her government's vaccine mandate policy to be dumped.

RAT testing for school students to be wound back

Twice-weekly Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) for students will come to an end at the conclusion of this week.

QR codes axed, mask restrictions to ease

A host of COVID-19 restrictions will be eased tomorrow and next week, the Premier has confirmed.

Masks, QR codes likely to be dumped at end of the month

Masks will no longer be required in indoor settings from February 28 while density limits will be removed and QR check-ins dumped, the Weekender understands.

Luddenham Show organisers cancel this year’s event due to COVID uncertainty

The Luddenham Show has been cancelled for a second straight year due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.

Hidden COVID crisis: The major issue confronting people with disability

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the state, the lack of Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) available for disability support workers could have a life-threatening impact on people with disabilities.

Travel industry on its knees: Workers rally outside MP’s office

Local travel business owners and workers are calling on the State and Federal governments for more industry support as the sector still suffers from the fallout of COVID-19.

State Government extends COVID restrictions until February 28

Masks indoors and density limits in hospitality settings will remain in place for another month, the State Government has confirmed.

Panthers extends ban on unvaccinated members, visitors

Panthers Leagues Club will extend a requirement for all visitors to be double vaccinated against COVID-19 until February 28.

Chief Health Officer: COVID spread is slowing

It appears the peak of the Omicron COVID-19 wave in New South Wales has passed, with Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant confirming that the spread is "slowing" in the community.

It’s time to change the COVID conversation

The COVID response in NSW has been confusing and confidence-shaking.