COVID in Australia in 2026: What You Actually Need to Know
(Blog article based on the latest government data)
Where this information comes from
This summary is based on Australian Government health data from 1–28 December 2025 (released January 2026).
It’s the most recent national COVID data available, and it shows the situation Australia is entering in 2026.
Key points
If you only remember a few things, remember these:
- COVID is still around, but it’s not as intense as before
- COVID cases were going down at the end of 2025
- Flu was more common than COVID at that time
- Most people who get COVID now recover at home
- Older people and people with health issues still need extra care
- Case numbers look low because many people don’t report tests anymore
? In short: COVID hasn’t disappeared, but it’s no longer an emergency situation.
What was happening recently (late 2025 → early 2026)
What the data shows
In late December 2025:
- COVID cases went down (about a 5.5% drop)
- COVID levels were lower than the same time in past years
- Other viruses (like flu) were more active than COVID
What this means for 2026
- Australia is starting 2026 without a COVID surge
- COVID is behaving more like a seasonal illness, similar to flu
Why the COVID “case numbers” look lower now (Important!)
You might wonder:
“If COVID is still around, why do numbers look so small?”
Here’s why — in simple terms:
- COVID is not tracked the same way as it was in 2020–2022.
- Most people now use rapid tests at home
- Positive RATs usually aren’t reported
- Governments now track trends, not every single case
? Low numbers do NOT mean no COVID.
They mean the system works differently now.
What COVID symptoms to look for
For most Australians, COVID symptoms can look like a cold or flu.:
- Common symptoms incldue:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever or chills
- Tiredness
- Sometimes loss of taste or smell
- Symptoms often start 2–5 days after infection (sometimes later), and some people have no symptoms.
Who should be extra careful in 2026
People more likely to get very sick include:
- Age 70+
- People with chronic illness
- People with disability
- Pregnant people
- People not vaccinated
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
If you or someone close to you is in these groups, it’s worth being faster to test and to avoid visiting when sick.
What to do in 2026 (simple habits)
If you feel sick
- Stay home if you can.
- Avoid visiting high-risk people (older people or anyone unwell).
- Consider taking a COVID Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
If you’re visiting someone vulnerable
- Test before you go (especially if you’ve had symptoms).
- Don’t visit if you’re unwell, even if it “feels like a cold.”
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor areas.
If you’re high-risk
- Check if you’re due for a COVID vaccine or booster (talk to your GP/pharmacy).
- Get medical advice early if symptoms worsen (breathing trouble, chest pain, very high fever, dehydration).
What About New Variants?
Variants are still happening.
In Australia’s most recent surveillance period (1–28 Dec 2025), the most common variant seen in lab samples was NB.1.8.1.
This just means it was most common in the samples tested, not that it’s more dangerous.
Is it worse than others?
No.
There is no evidence it causes more severe illness than other recent COVID variants. It’s being watched, not treated as a serious threat.
Are there other variants to watch out for?
Not specific names — trends matter more.
Right now:
- All recent variants are Omicron-family types
- They mainly compete by spreading easier, not by causing worse disease
- No variant in Australia has shown signs of being significantly more severe
Health authorities watch for behaviour, not names.
What actually matters in 2026?
Pay attention if you hear about:
- A sustained rise in hospitalisations
- A variant that causes more severe illness
- New advice for older or high-risk people
You can safely ignore:
- Every new variant name
- Social media panic posts
Are People Still Testing?
Yes — but differently.
- Most people now use rapid tests
- Fewer people get PCR tests
- Around 1 in 7 people with symptoms tested positive for COVID in late 2025
Testing is now a personal decision, not a reporting requirement.
With COVID, flu, and RSV all circulating, rapid test kits are now one of the easiest ways Australians check what’s making them sick.
Rapid tests are easy to get now
Unlike earlier years, rapid test kits are:
- Widely available across Australia
- Easy to use at home
- Quick, with results usually in 10–15 minutes
RATs are now sold in lots of places, so it’s smart to stick with trusted shops like:
- a pharmacy
- a well-known online store
- a reputable marketplace such as MedCart Australia
This helps you avoid poor-quality tests, expired stock, or unclear storage/handling.
There are different types of tests now
Because flu and other respiratory viruses can rise at different times, you can choose a test that matches what you’re trying to check:
- COVID-only RATs
Best if you mainly want to rule in/out COVID.
- COVID + Flu (dual tests)
Helpful when you feel “flu-like” symptoms and want quick clarity.
- COVID + Flu + RSV (triple tests)
Useful for families, schools, workplaces, or when RSV is circulating.
- Wider multi-panels (e.g., COVID + Flu + RSV + ADV)
Some tests include ADV (adenovirus) too. These can be useful when many bugs are going around and symptoms are hard to tell apart.
Simple tips so your result is more reliable
- Check the expiry date
- Follow the instructions exactly (timing matters)
- If you test very early in symptoms and it’s negative, consider re-testing later (especially if symptoms continue)
- If you’re high-risk or getting worse, don’t rely on a single negative RAT — get medical advice
Simple reminder
Rapid tests are a helpful tool — but:
- They don’t replace medical advice
- If symptoms are severe or getting worse, see a healthcare professional
- For best results, follow the instructions carefully and test at the right time
Vaccines: One Important Warning Sign
Here’s an important read, the report shows low recent COVID vaccination in adults overall:
- Only about 1 in 10 adults had a COVID vaccine in the last year
- Much higher in older ages:
- 18–64: ~4%
- 75+: ~41%
- Younger adults had very low uptake
- Older adults were much more protected
? This means:
- Younger people may catch COVID more often
- Older people are better protected from serious illness
- Vaccines still matter most for high-risk groups
What This Means for Everyday Life in 2026
You don’t need to panic
- COVID is manageable
- Hospitals are not overwhelmed
- Most people recover quickly
But you shouldn’t ignore it either
Simple habits still help:
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Test before visiting elderly or vulnerable people
- Wear a mask if you’re unwell and must go out
- Keep vaccinations up to date if you’re high-risk
