Healthcare
What you can and cannot do when the WA border opens to the rest of Australia and the world
Masks will be back in more social settings, proof of vaccination will be required for entry into some venues and intrastate restrictions could be on the cards if vaccination rates do not lift in regions like the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields.
- by Peter de Kruijff
Latest
Opinion
Aged care
Expanding home care is risky without a workforce plan
The federal government has dramatically expanded home care for older Australians, but poor-quality care will remain a hidden problem if the workforce remains undervalued, underqualified and insecure.
- by Stephen Duckett and Hal Swerissen
Exclusive
Hospitals
‘You killed my son’: Adam survived horror crash only to die in Sydney hospital blunder
The Fitzpatrick family allege they were subjected to intimidation and bullying at one of NSW’s leading trauma hospitals after the death of their beloved brother and son.
- by Carrie Fellner
Editorial
Coronavirus pandemic
Carefully calibrated response needed to confront Omicron threat
Governments, state and federal, along with their public health teams must come up with a considered, consistent plan to deal with pandemic complications presented by the Omicron strain.
- The Herald's View
Explainer
Coronavirus pandemic
Why do we need vaccine boosters and how do they work?
What does the science say about boosters? Are they being tweaked for new variants? And how many are we likely to need?
- by Sherryn Groch
Analysis
Vaccination
Benefits of vaccinating children outweigh risks
Parents can start preparing for vaccination of primary school children, so what are the risks?
- by Margie Danchin and Fiona Russell
NSW records 286 COVID-19 cases amid further Omicron infections
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant remains concerned about rising virus infection numbers, including 13 Omicron cases at a Regents Park school and a Sydney indoor climbing gym.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos and Roy Ward
Editorial
Coronavirus pandemic
Omicron fears for Christmas should be kept in check
This month was meant to be one of catharsis for NSW residents, but the Omicron variant has cast a pall of uncertainty over travel plans and reunions.
- The Herald's View
Is Australia ready for Omicron?
Deep inside a concrete containment lab, Australian scientists in hazmat suits keep a watchful eye on a microscopic sample of Omicron growing in a lab dish.
- by Melissa Cunningham and Aisha Dow
COVID-19 vaccine mandates could see 39,000 West Aussies leave jobs rather than get jabbed
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA estimates the potential for 39,000 West Australians to walk away from their job could result in a $2.9 billion impact on the state.
- by Peter de Kruijff
No jab, no job date arrives for FIFO, police but uncertainty remains over how many have refused the jab
West Australian government departments and some businesses have been scrambling to determine how many workers still refuse to get a COVID-19 jab as a new mandate for thousands of people came into force overnight.
- by Peter de Kruijff and Peter Milne