Even though Australia has probably reached its peak of COVID-19 infections, it recorded 87 COVID-19 deaths as infectious rates remain relatively high but lower than the weeks before.

NSW recorded 17,316 new community transmissions and  29 deaths in its latest reporting period There are currently 2,722 are in hospital and 181 in ICU.

Meanwhile, there were 13,755 reported cases in Victoria with 15 deaths reported in Victoria. State hospitalisations are 1,057 with 117 patients in ICU.

Queensland recorded 15 deaths, and 11,600 new cases while hospitalisations hit 829 and ICU admissions have reached 48.

South Australia reported 1,953 COVID-19 infections, with 288 people hospitalised and 27 people in ICU.

Tasmania has 5,026 active cases, and no patients needing intubation currently.

The ACT has 73 patients hospitalised and four ICU admissions.

Finally, more than six million Australians can now access rapid antigen tests for free — if they are lucky enough to find them at pharmacies.

People who hold any of the following concession cards can access up to 10 free rapid tests from pharmacies over the next three months:

  • Pensioner concession card
  • Commonwealth seniors healthcare card
  • DVA gold, white or orange card
  • Health care card
  • Low-income card

The broad general public is required to buy rapid antigen tests for personal use, however, anyone can get a free rapid test if they are required to receive one due to their isolation requirements — for example, if they are a close contact of a positive case.

However, those people should obtain their free rapid tests through testing clinics and not through pharmacies.

More to come.