The Latest Breaking News on COVID-19

Exclusive: After announcing most forms of vaping would be banned, the Albanese government will legislate changes and boost agencies’ powers

Variant is anticipated evolution but exact scope of virus is difficult to discern because of limited surveillance, experts say

In today’s newsletter: The ‘Eris’ strain of Covid is a reminder that the virus has never fully gone away – but what will it mean for Britain?

Eris desends from Omicron and is now the second most prevalent Covid variant in the UK

Physicians say Chicago’s late-summer increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations — no matter how slight — serves as a reminder that the virus still packs a devastating punch for vulnerable communities.

WHO has designated EG.5.1 as a variant of interest; medical professionals advise public to remain vigilant, with only one case reported in India. Vaccine policy remains unclear, but masks, social distancing, and hand washing remain key to preventing spread.

A new variant of the virus that causes Covid-19, known as Eris, could be linked to more than a third of new cases in France. The World Health Organization has designated the strain a variant of interest, but says the risk to public health is low.

As cases continue to rise vaccination programmes in the UK are now entering its third autumn season

Hospital admissions from coronavirus up 12.5 per cent for the week ending 29 July

Eris desends from Omicron and is now the second most prevalent Covid variant in the UK

A new limited series about the opioid crisis, Painkiller, has come to Netflix.