1. Australian biotech Ellume awarded $300 million US COVID-19 test deal

Brisbane-based biotech company Ellume has been awarded a US$230 million ($302 million) contract by the US Department of Defence and the Department of Health and Human Services to produce rapid at-home COVID-19 tests. "Making easier to use tests available to every American is a high priority with obvious benefits," said Andy Slavitt, senior advisor to the White House COVID-19 response team.

2. Scott Morrison says technology, not tax, will see Australia hit net zero emissions

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would not "tax our way to net zero emissions" in a speech at the National Press Club yesterday, and said reaching net zero carbon emissions "should be about technology not taxes and high prices". The PM also noted the goal would "preferably" be reached by 2050.

3. Three quarters of Australians prepared to be vaccinated

75% of Australians said they would 'definitely' or 'probably' get vaccinated themselves according to a Newspoll published by The Australian today, while 17% said they would not be vaccinated and 8% said they didn't know. 81% of respondents said that vaccinations should be mandatory for international airline passengers and 80% for aged-care workers.

4. It's Groundhog Day!

Every February 2nd, people gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to find out whether a groundhog will see its shadow, extending winter for a further six weeks. While crowds will not be able to attend this year's event, a live stream of animal meteorologist Punxsutawney Phil will be available from 10:30pm AEDT tonight.

5. Wall Street rebounds on Monday

The Dow Jones rose by 229.29 points or 0.76% on the first day of the trading week to close at 30,211.91, while the S&P 500 gained 59.62 or 1.61% to 3,773.86 and the Nasdaq surged 332.70 points or 2.55% to 13,403.40. GameStop fell by US$100.00 or 30.77% and closed at US$225.00.