On Thursday, Australia reported at least 78 COVID-19 deaths, including 36 in New South Wales (NSW), 20 in Victoria, and 18 in Queensland.
Some Australian states and territories continue to report their highest number of COVID-19 hospitalisations in the past four months.
Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia .
Minister of Aged Care Anika Wells released the Albanese government's winter plan for aged care residents. The plan includes increasing vaccination rates and antiviral access.
Minister Wells said maks remain a critical defence in aged care homes and other high-risk settings. Australia's Chief Medical Officer has contacted his counterparts in each state and territory to reinforce the importance of maintaining mask mandates.
The Coral Princess cruise ship has departed Sydney for Brisbane with more than 100 COVID-19 positive crew.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to convene a national cabinet meeting on the current COVID-19 situation in the country.
NSW reported 116 COVID-19 deaths in the week ending 9 July. Of the 116 deaths, only 77 (or 67 per cent) had received a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Eight deaths were reported in people aged under 65.
New Zealand has introduced new COVID-19 measures to ease the burden on hospitals from COVID-19 and flu infections. New measures include allowing more people to access antiviral treatments.
Residents in NZ are already mandated to wear face masks in public indoor settings and public transport.
The World Health Organization reported a rise in weekly global cases for the fifth consecutive week. The highest weekly cases were reported from France, the US, Italy, Germany and Brazil.
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