Sweden should have shut venues and taken other tougher measures early in the COVID-19 pandemic although its no-lockdown strategy was broadly beneficial, a commission says.
Mandatory face mask requirements will ease in Canberra from 6pm today, Friday 25 February, bringing the ACT into line with similar requirements in NSW and Victoria.
Coronavirus restrictions are set to end in Iceland as curbs wind down in Poland, Slovakia and Italy while authorities in Hong Kong plan compulsory testing for everyone in the territory.
The average Australian household has never felt better financially, but a new survey has also found concerns around the prolonged impact of COVID-19 and cost of living pressures are beginning to creep in.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has indicated there is further capacity to reduce isolation requirements for household contacts to match those for essential workers.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists emergency powers are still needed despite police stamping out protests by truckers angry about COVID-19 curbs.
