This article documents the chronology and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia during 2022.
January
On 1 January 2022 to 3pm, a total of 430,712 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,253 deaths, and there were approximately 158,782 active cases. 55,233,500 tests had been done during the pandemic, 0.8% were positive.
On 3 January to 3pm, a total of 499,958 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,266 deaths, and there were approximately 218,505 active cases. 55,634,500 tests had been done, 0.9% were positive.
Also on 3 January, in New South Wales (NSW), daily new COVID-19 case figures rose over 50%, from 23,131 the day before to 35,054. It was the highest number so far for any Australian state or territory.
On 4 January to 3pm, a total of 547,653 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,271 deaths, and there were approximately 254,232 active cases. 55,842,000 tests had been done, 1% were positive.
In early January in New South Wales (NSW) shortages of some foods on supermarket shelves, such as fresh fruit, meat and vegetables, occurred as the effects of the pandemic on supply chains, such as staff shortages caused by transport and distribution centre workers having to isolate after COVID exposure, took hold. The problem is worse because of the extra demand during the Christmas/New Year holiday period coinciding with large increases in COVID-19 infections.
By 4 January, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) was investigating allegations of excessive pricing of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT).
On 5 January to 3pm, a total of 612,106 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,289 deaths, and there were approximately 287,637 active cases. 56,078,000 tests had been done, 1.1% were positive.
Also on 5 January, Coles Supermarkets introduced limits on some food items. Except in Western Australia (WA), chicken breasts, chicken thighs, mince and sausages were limited to 2 packs.
Still on 5 January, National Cabinet decided to provide concession card holders with up to 10 free RAT test kits, over a three-month period.Other decisions were:• a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test would not be required anymore for anyone who had a positive RAT test result • regular testing for truck drivers was to be ceased • arrivals from overseas not required to take multiple tests
On 6 January to 3pm, a total of 684,227 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,301 deaths, and there were approximately 330,289 active cases. 56,326,500 tests had been done, 1.2% were positive.
On 7 January, a total of 761,926 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,319 deaths, and there were approximately 381,269 active cases. Over the past 7 days, new cases averaged 52,364 per day.56,585,000 tests had been done, 1.3% were positive.
On 8 January, a total of 849,833 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,345 deaths, and there were approximately 441,429 active cases. Over the past 7 days, new cases averaged 59,896 per day.Over 56,861,000 tests had been done, 1.5% were positive.
Also on 8 January, the Australian Government prohibited price gouging of COVID-19 RAT test kits, and their improper export, under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Penalties are up to 5 years jail, and/or fines over $66 thousand. The controls took effect from 1:00am on 8 January, until 17 February 2022.
On 9 January, a total of 922,892 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,367 deaths, and there were approximately 495,141 active cases. Over the past 7 days, new cases averaged 65,740 per day.Over 57,116,500 tests had been done, 1.6% were positive.
On 10 January, a total of 973,470 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,389 deaths, and there were approximately 587,971 active cases. Over the past 7 days, new cases averaged 67,663 per day.Over 57,343,500 tests had been done, 1.7% were positive.
Also on 10 January, NSW exceeded 500,000 total cases of COVID-19 since March 2020.
On 11 January, a total of 1,042,293 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia, 2,416 deaths, and there were approximately 612,619 active cases. Over the past 7 days, new cases averaged 70,708 per day.Over 57,561,000 tests had been done, 1.8% were positive.