The Latest Breaking News from Omicron

Hundreds of childcare centres have temporarily shut their doors due to the virus, and there are calls for more financial support to avoid permanent closures.

Business activity is likely to slide in the first half of 2022 due to the impact of Omicron, credit reporting agency CreditorWatch has warned.

State had been due to open up to double-jabbed international and interstate travellers on 5 February

With the Omicron variant of Covid-19 wreaking worldwide havoc, the demand for tests is exploding. Companies producing test kits are living through a golden age. But it is mainly Chinese companies which are scooping up the profits, with just a few French test-makers jumping on the bandwagon.

Wales' health minister denied the government had overreacted to Omicron fears

The immunologist said Covid-19 is effectively turning into the flu and Omicron has caused 50% less hospitalisations than Delta

Premier Mark McGowan's decision to delay the WA border reopening has drawn mixed reactions, with businesses describing it as "devastating", while the WA boss of the AMA says it will give hospitals time to prepare for Omicron.

ONS data also shows the highest proportion of firms reporting falling turnover since the height of the first lockdown as Omicron hit hard.

One classic Covid symptom has dropped out of the top 10 symptoms, says the ZOE Covid Study app.

The city may still be deep in the throes of the Omicron surge and adapting to the latest Covid restrictions, but Paris Fashion Week will nevertheless launch Tuesday. The industry is determined to get back on the catwalks after nearly two years during which most brands were forced to retreat…

It sounded a touch desperate – Prime Minister Scott Morrison imploring backpackers to “come on down” to Australia, as the Omicron crisis escalated.