Resources for Journalists

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus strain, that has not been previously identified in humans. See below for a collection of resources to help you cover this issue (Please note: additional resources are available to journalists who are logged in).

The AusSMC also issues a daily COVID-19 update for registered journalists (click here to view an example). If you would like to receive this email, please go to your profile on MyScimex and select yes beside "Receive COVID-19 Updates?". The email update and this resources page are supported by the Google News Initiative.

Latest COVID-19 news, research, expert reactions and briefings

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  1. Fat stores power the body’s virus defence

    Publicly released: Fri 24 Jul 2026 at 1200 AEST, 1400 NZST

    Nature Communications

    strategies. Fat stores power the body’s virus defenceLa Trobe University scientists have uncovered the critical role fatty cell structures play in our body’s early detection and defence against Read more about Fat stores power the body’s virus defence

    Australia; NSW; VICLa Trobe University | The University of Sydney | RMIT University ...

  2. Mental disorders surge among young adults

    Publicly released: Fri 24 Jul 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

    Lancet Regional Health Western Pacific

    They also found that while rates for most presentations accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were also increasing in the lead up, cautioning against solely assigning blame to COVID. Read more about Mental disorders surge among young adults

    Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney

  3. Recent rise in autism mostly driven by women and girls getting diagnosed

    Publicly released: Thu 23 Jul 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    that period, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. ... However, the researchers say diagnosis rates among males remained steady - the increase was mostly driven by teen and adult women. Read more about Recent rise in autism mostly driven by women and girls getting diagnosed

    InternationalSt Louis University, USA

  4. EXPERT REACTION: AusAlert - Australia's emergency warning system test

    Publicly released: Wed 22 Jul 2026 at 1540 AEST, 1740 NZST

    On Monday, a test of a new national warning system, AusAlert, will be sent to all mobile devices in Australia, including some smartwatches and tablets. ... The test will be sent at the same time across Read more about EXPERT REACTION: AusAlert - Australia's emergency warning system test

    Australia; VIC; QLD; SA; WA

  5. Why key antiviral defenses failed in some severe COVID-19 patients

    Publicly released: Sun 19 Jul 2026 at 2322 AEST, Mon 20 Jul 26 at 0122 NZST

    Cell

    Although the COVID-19 pandemic has largely subsided, scientists continue to investigate why the virus proved so deadly, causing at least three million deaths worldwide, according to the latest Read more about Why key antiviral defenses failed in some severe COVID-19 patients

    InternationalUniversity of Sharjah

  6. COVID-19 booster strategies provide lasting immunity

    Publicly released: Fri 17 Jul 2026 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

    Journal of Infection

    Fractional dosing attracted global interest during the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccine supplies were limited. ... MCRI Associate Professor Paul Licciardi said while the acute phase of the pandemic had Read more about COVID-19 booster strategies provide lasting immunity

    Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute | The University of Melbourne ...

  7. Patterns in heart-related deaths echo seasonal surges of respiratory illness

    Publicly released: Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

    Global Public Health

    The COVID-19 pandemic allowed German scientists to study the timing of seasonal respiratory diseases like flu and RSV. ... The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to explore these dynamics, Read more about Patterns in heart-related deaths echo seasonal surges of respiratory illness

    InternationalMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology , Plön, Germany

  8. English kids born during COVID-19 lockdown still struggling at age 4

    Publicly released: Wed 15 Jul 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

    Archives of Disease in Childhood

    Kids born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England have lower levels of executive functioning - crucial skills involved in making plans, solving problems and adapting to new situations - at age Read more about English kids born during COVID-19 lockdown still struggling at age 4

    InternationalCity St George’s, University of London, UK

  9. The customer isn’t always right: overlooked source of workplace discrimination

    Publicly released: Tue 14 Jul 2026 at 1002 AEST, 1202 NZST

    Journal of Services Marketing

    Participants had experience across hospitality, retail, banking and finance, trades, consultancy and the not-for-profit sector. Read more about The customer isn’t always right: overlooked source of workplace discrimination

    Australia; QLD; SAAdelaide University | The University of Queensland

  10. Grandma and Grandpa were getting COVID-19 at kids' birthday parties during the pandemic

    Publicly released: Tue 14 Jul 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    Grandparents were nearly 10% more likely to get COVID-19 in the week of their grandchildren's birthdays during the pandemic, according to Danish research from 2020-2022 when official advice Read more about Grandma and Grandpa were getting COVID-19 at kids' birthday parties during the pandemic

    InternationalStatens Serum Institut, Denmark

  11. EXPERT REACTION: First case of deadly H5 bird flu in a local Australian seabird detected

    Publicly released: Fri 10 Jul 2026 at 1330 AEST, 1530 NZST

    Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been detected in an Australian seabird, a greater crested tern, marking the first time it has been detected in a local bird rather than a ... The bird, which was found Read more about EXPERT REACTION: First case of deadly H5 bird flu in a local Australian seabird detected

    Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; WA; TASAustralian Science Media Centre

  12. Hidden pathway drives COVID-19 infections

    Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2026 at 0700 AEST, 0900 NZST

    Nature Communications

    The study by La Trobe University and WEHI researchers found SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can hide inside tiny fragments of dying infected cells, known as apoptotic ... Rather than targeting Read more about Hidden pathway drives COVID-19 infections

    Australia; VICLa Trobe University | WEHI | The University of Melbourne

  13. EXPERT REACTION: Australia's latest health report card reveals strengths and weaknesses

    Publicly released: Thu 9 Jul 2026 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

    Life expectancy has risen steadily over decades, with a recent decrease seen across the years impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ... The rate of ED presentations has declined in recent years, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Australia's latest health report card reveals strengths and weaknesses

    Australia; NSW; VIC; QLDAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

  14. On-site virus testing in nursing homes could reduce hospital visits and speed up treatment

    Publicly released: Tue 7 Jul 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Internal Medicine

    On-site testing devices for viral infections such as flu and COVID-19 in nursing homes could reduce the number of people transferred to hospital, according to international research. ... The team found Read more about On-site virus testing in nursing homes could reduce hospital visits and speed up treatment

    InternationalSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Canada

  15. Companies avoiding tax more likely to greenwash

    Publicly released: Fri 3 Jul 2026 at 1130 AEST, 1330 NZST

    Business Strategy and Development

    The study analysed 391 Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed companies between 2019 and 2022, including the period of economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ... The paper, Surviving Read more about Companies avoiding tax more likely to greenwash

    Australia; WAMurdoch University | Curtin University

  16. Why taking a sick day depends on more than being sick

    Publicly released: Wed 1 Jul 2026 at 1302 AEST, 1502 NZST

    Applied Economics

    The study, published in Applied Economics, examines how workers’ health and economic circumstances dictate how many sick days they actually take. ... We focused on this period to avoid the COVID years, Read more about Why taking a sick day depends on more than being sick

    Australia; NSW; QLDUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) | The University of Queensland

  17. Billions of doses of mRNA vaccines confirm they are safe and effective

    Publicly released: Wed 1 Jul 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

    The Lancet

    than the risk of developing myocarditis or pericarditis from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. ... The analysis found that across various clinical trials and real-world data, mRNA vaccines are about 87% effective Read more about Billions of doses of mRNA vaccines confirm they are safe and effective

    InternationalUniversity of British Columbia, Canada

  18. It's probably ok to get the flu and COVID jab on the same day

    Publicly released: Tue 30 Jun 2026 at 0700 AEST, 0900 NZST

    Annals of Internal Medicine

    The results showed that same-day vaccination of the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines did not increase the risk for adverse heart events, neurological disorders, immune-mediated disorders, and other Read more about It's probably ok to get the flu and COVID jab on the same day

    InternationalWashington University, USA

  19. Afraid to grow up? It gets less scary over time

    Publicly released: Thu 25 Jun 2026 at 2300 AEST, Fri 26 Jun 26 at 0100 NZST

    Developmental Psychology

    The survey asked participants to rate their agreement with statements such as “I wish that I could return to the security of childhood” and “The happiest time in life is when ... Future research Read more about Afraid to grow up? It gets less scary over time

    InternationalAuburn University, USA

  20. A 2025-2026 COVID-19 jab could keep you out of hospital

    Publicly released: Wed 24 Jun 2026 at 0110 AEST, 0310 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    The 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccines boost existing immunity against the virus, and protect people against emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalisation, according to US scientists. ... They looked at Read more about A 2025-2026 COVID-19 jab could keep you out of hospital

    InternationalCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, USA

  21. EXPERT REACTION: Suspected H5N1 bird-flu case in Australia

    Publicly released: Fri 19 Jun 2026 at 1637 AEST, 1837 NZST

    The first suspected case of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been detected in Australia. ... Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced that a migratory bird in south-west WA has died, and the Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Suspected H5N1 bird-flu case in Australia

    Australia; VIC; QLDAustralian Science Media Centre

  22. 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines reduce risk of virus-linked hospitalisation and heart problems

    Publicly released: Tue 16 Jun 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Internal Medicine

    People who received a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine were less likely to require medical treatment for the virus and less likely to have a major heart problem in the following ... undetected SARS-CoV-2 and Read more about 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines reduce risk of virus-linked hospitalisation and heart problems

    InternationalCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, USA (Paper 1), US Department of Veterans Affairs, USA (Paper 2)

  23. A COVID-19 drug might help in treating severe hantavirus

    Publicly released: Thu 4 Jun 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

    The Lancet Infectious Diseases

    Tocilizumab - A drug used for treating COVID-19 - has shown some promise in treating hantavirus, according to an early report from a larger ongoing study. ... The researchers emphasise that this is an Read more about A COVID-19 drug might help in treating severe hantavirus

    InternationalHospital Zonal de Bariloche Dr Ramón Carrillo, Argentina

  24. Approximately 1 in 6 cases of COVID-19 might have ended in long COVID

    Publicly released: Thu 28 May 2026 at 1633 AEST, 1833 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    International researchers have scanned through COVID-19 cases in the US and found that close to 1 in 6 cases ended up becoming long COVID. ... The researchers investigated close to 458,000 patients with Read more about Approximately 1 in 6 cases of COVID-19 might have ended in long COVID

    InternationalMassachusetts General Hospital, USA

  25. COVID racism driven by more than fear of infection

    Publicly released: Tue 19 May 2026 at 1405 AEST, 1605 NZST

    The Journal of Social Psychology

    fully account for the rise in aggressive anti-Asian responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... The COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by a marked rise in anti-Asian sentiment, with individuals of Asian Read more about COVID racism driven by more than fear of infection

    Australia; International; WAMurdoch University | James Cook University

  26. EXPERT REACTION: NT diphtheria outbreak spreads to WA, QLD and SA

    Publicly released: Tue 19 May 2026 at 1301 AEST, 1501 NZST

    The outbreak has been reported to have spread beyond the NT border, into Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia. ... The NT has reported 133 cases, including one likely death, along with 79 Read more about EXPERT REACTION: NT diphtheria outbreak spreads to WA, QLD and SA

    Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SAAustralian Science Media Centre

  27. The world is on the edge of even greater pandemic damage

    Publicly released: Mon 18 May 2026 at 2000 AEST, 2200 NZST

    gaps in outbreak preparedness – and six years after COVID-19 turned those gaps into a global catastrophe – the evidence is clear: the world is not safer from pandemics. ... And the escalating toll of Read more about The world is on the edge of even greater pandemic damage

    InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO) | Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB)

  28. EXPERT REACTION: Ebola outbreak declared a public health emergency of international concern

    Publicly released: Mon 18 May 2026 at 1133 AEST, 1333 NZST

    The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). ... The WHO says there Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Ebola outbreak declared a public health emergency of international concern

    Australia; International; NSW; QLD; SAAustralian Science Media Centre

  29. First signs of recovery emerge in Australia’s youth mental health crisis

    Publicly released: Mon 18 May 2026 at 0930 AEST, 1130 NZST

    Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

    Trend set pre-pandemicThe results suggest Australia’s youth mental health crisis did not begin with COVID-19, but rather that the pandemic intensified already existing trends that emerged in the Read more about First signs of recovery emerge in Australia’s youth mental health crisis

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales

  30. Could antivirals help prevent long COVID?

    Publicly released: Sat 16 May 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    People who take antiviral medicines soon after getting COVID-19 may be less likely to develop long COVID symptoms, a large Japanese study suggests. ... The researchers say early antiviral treatment may Read more about Could antivirals help prevent long COVID?

    InternationalShonan Oiso Hospital - Japan

  31. COVID vaccination linked to lower household spread

    Publicly released: Sat 16 May 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    People who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to transmit the virus on to others, a new US study has found. ... The authors say the findings suggest recent COVID vaccination may still Read more about COVID vaccination linked to lower household spread

    InternationalNational Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases - US

  32. EXPERT REACTION: Aussies on hantavirus affected ship due to return today

    Publicly released: Fri 15 May 2026 at 1106 AEST, 1306 NZST

    Five Australians and one New Zealander from the hantavirus-affected cruise ship are expected to land in Perth today. ... The passengers will remain at the Bullsbrook Quarantine Facility. Below, Australian Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Aussies on hantavirus affected ship due to return today

    Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WAAustralian Science Media Centre

  33. WHO says we are unlikely to hit health and health-related sustainable development goals by 2030 target

    Publicly released: Wed 13 May 2026 at 2300 AEST, Thu 14 May 26 at 0100 NZST

    World Health Statistics 2026

    The prevalence of anaemia in women rose slightly in recent years, the researchers find, and the number of children under five years who are overweight has increased. ... COVID-19 spiked the number of Read more about WHO says we are unlikely to hit health and health-related sustainable development goals by 2030 target

    Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; InternationalWorld Health Organisation, Switzerland

  34. An army of giant raccoons takes on the trolls: Why belief in conspiracy theories is probably less common than surveys say

    Publicly released: Fri 8 May 2026 at 1458 AEST, 1658 NZST

    Collabra: Psychology

    Survey participants were also asked to consider two clearly contradictory theories about coronavirus – “Governments are covering up the fact that 5G mobile networks spread coronavirus” and Read more about An army of giant raccoons takes on the trolls: Why belief in conspiracy theories is probably less common than surveys say

    Australia; NSWMacquarie University

  35. Construction sector adapts to global shocks faster than expected

    Publicly released: Thu 7 May 2026 at 1106 AEST, 1306 NZST

    International Journal of Production Economics

    The study, conducted by researchers from Adelaide University and Flinders University, found that while the sector faced significant delays, cost increases and material shortages during events Read more about Construction sector adapts to global shocks faster than expected

    Australia; SAAdelaide University | Flinders University

  36. mRNA vaccine outperforms standard flu jabs

    Publicly released: Thu 7 May 2026 at 0700 AEST, 0900 NZST

    New England Journal of Medicine

    Vaccine manufacturer Moderna developed a messenger-RNA vaccine - the same mechanism used for the company's COVID-19 vaccine - that acted on the same three influenza strains as the regular flu Read more about mRNA vaccine outperforms standard flu jabs

    InternationalGhent University, Belgium, Moderna, USA

  37. BACKGROUND BRIEFING: What to expect from the 2026 flu season

    Publicly released: Fri 1 May 2026 at 1100 AEST, 1300 NZST

    Case numbers for flu, COVID-19, and RSVHow do flu, COVID-19, and RSV numbers impact our crowded hospitals?What flu strains do our vaccines cover - are we protected against Super ... K?What's happening Read more about BACKGROUND BRIEFING: What to expect from the 2026 flu season

    Australia; NSW; VICThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity ...

  38. Losing a loved one may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke

    Publicly released: Sat 25 Apr 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    The large study of over five million people found that bereavement was linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and that the risk was greater during the COVID-19 period ... Bereavement and Read more about Losing a loved one may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke

    InternationalKarolinska Institutet, Sweden

  39. New tool tracks how microbes spread — even when they look almost identical

    Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2026 at 1900 AEST, 2100 NZST

    Nature Microbiology

    The team tested the TRACS tool using a wide range of data, including viruses responsible for COVID-19, bacteria that cause pneumonia, and parasites responsible for malaria. ... Researchers believe the Read more about New tool tracks how microbes spread — even when they look almost identical

    Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre | The University of Melbourne ...

  40. Memorials of people who died with extreme fatigue condition share themes of neglect

    Publicly released: Thu 23 Apr 2026 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

    PLOS One

    The condition called ME/CFS can involve pain, 'brain fog', and poor sleep - with symptoms worsening after activity. ... The authors highlight possible links between such experiences and risk of death, Read more about Memorials of people who died with extreme fatigue condition share themes of neglect

    InternationalIowa State University, US

  41. EXPERT REACTION: These coronaviruses enter human cells in a whole new way and could be a threat to health

    Publicly released: Thu 23 Apr 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    Nature

    Of all the types of coronaviruses, scientists know most about how betacoronaviruses enter cells - a group that includes the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Although six such receptors have been Read more about EXPERT REACTION: These coronaviruses enter human cells in a whole new way and could be a threat to health

    Australia; International; NSWPirbright Institute, UK

  42. Teen cannabis use rose after US legalisation, but then returned to normal

    Publicly released: Sat 18 Apr 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    They found use increased after legalisation, but decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic, and had returned to pre-legalisation levels by 2024. ... The findings suggest adolescent cannabis use is sensitive Read more about Teen cannabis use rose after US legalisation, but then returned to normal

    InternationalKaiser Permanente Northern California, USA

  43. US-Israel-Iran War strikes at the heart of global food production, plunging tens of millions of people into abject poverty

    Publicly released: Thu 16 Apr 2026 at 2339 AEST, Fri 17 Apr 26 at 0139 NZST

    Global Food Security

    It provides a real-time analysis of an active conflict, drawing on lessons from three previous crises: the 2007–08 food price surge, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine ... The countries that Read more about US-Israel-Iran War strikes at the heart of global food production, plunging tens of millions of people into abject poverty

    InternationalUniversity of Sharjah

  44. Extended vaccination opportunities and community involvement could boost uptake

    Publicly released: Thu 16 Apr 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

    The BMJ

    Yet no existing reviews assess the effectiveness of individual intervention components across different populations and contexts. ... The effectiveness of certain components may also have been influenced Read more about Extended vaccination opportunities and community involvement could boost uptake

    InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK

  45. Two new TB vaccines safe but don't protect against all forms of the disease

    Publicly released: Fri 10 Apr 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

    The BMJ

    8 million people worldwide were reported to have TB and the rate of new cases increased by 4. ... The researchers acknowledge that the covid-19 pandemic affected the study, leading to the exclusion of Read more about Two new TB vaccines safe but don't protect against all forms of the disease

    InternationalIndian Council of Medical Research, India

  46. Common antidepressant may ease long COVID fatigue

    Publicly released: Tue 31 Mar 2026 at 0800 AEDT, 1000 NZDT

    Annals of Internal Medicine

    International researchers say the common antidepressant fluvoxamine reduces long COVID–19-related fatigue, one of the condition’s most persistent and debilitating symptoms, while the diabetes Read more about Common antidepressant may ease long COVID fatigue

    InternationalBrazilian Biomedical Research Institute, Brazil, University of British Columbia, Canada

  47. How to stop panic-buying? Research finds COVID lesson

    Publicly released: Wed 18 Mar 2026 at 1127 AEDT, 1327 NZDT

    Behavioral Sciences

    Panic buying doesn’t just respond to shortages - it creates them. And according to a University of the Sunshine Coast behavioural scientist, the lessons learned during COVID-19 remain critical Read more about How to stop panic-buying? Research finds COVID lesson

    Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast | Griffith University

  48. Illness severity rather than vaccination rate was the main cause of COVID's impact on Māori and Pacific people

    Publicly released: Tue 17 Mar 2026 at 1124 AEDT, 1324 NZDT

    Epidemics

    Lower vaccination rates may not be the main reason why Māori and Pacific people were more likely to be hospitalised or die from Omicron variants of COVID, a NZ study finds. ... Comparing the models Read more about Illness severity rather than vaccination rate was the main cause of COVID's impact on Māori and Pacific people

    New ZealandEarth Sciences New Zealand | University of Canterbury ...

  49. Regular support sessions reduce burnout among midwives

    Publicly released: Mon 16 Mar 2026 at 1509 AEDT, 1709 NZDT

    BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

    At the same time, many older midwives have accelerated their retirement plans following the COVID‑19 pandemic. ... Programs like GCS offer a clear and achievable way to support the workforce now,” Read more about Regular support sessions reduce burnout among midwives

    Australia; NSWUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) | St Vincent's Health Australia ...

  50. Coo-ee! Tapping into the inner workings of long-distance animal calls

    Publicly released: Wed 11 Mar 2026 at 0000 AEDT, 0200 NZDT

    Journal of Mammalian Evolution

    a mammal might be calling from – and improve biodiversity monitoring along the way. ... As for solving the baboon mystery, Dr Walker did learn the maximum call length for two other baboon species, Read more about Coo-ee! Tapping into the inner workings of long-distance animal calls

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales

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