Victoria records 650 new coronavirus cases as dozens continue to flout rules
Cases of coronavirus in Victoria have climbed to another astounding high with more than 600 new infections recorded across the state.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced an additional 671 cases for the state on Sunday and a further seven deaths.
It comes days after Victoria recorded its biggest daily increase of 723 new cases.
Authorities are expected to announce tougher restrictions in coming days as the state continues to record high rates of daily infections.
A Stage Four lockdown might be the state’s only practical hope at curbing community transmission, according to resigning AMA president Dr Tony Bartone.
He said public health orders were not being taken seriously by the public - highlighted by Victoria Police on Sunday which announced 170 infringements in the past 24 hours.
Among those to breach coronavirus restrictions were a group of five people found attending a birthday celebration at a licensed venue in Melbourne’s CBD.
In a separate incident, someone in Wyndham, southwest of the city, hosted a party with 10 guests, while a religious gathering of up to five people took place at a factory in Dandenong, southeast of Melbourne.
According to the ABC, new restrictions could impact non-essential retail outlets, abattoirs, call centres, ride-share services and potentially Melbourne’s public transport system.
A specific plan on how schools will operate has yet to be revealed, however it is expected that there could be changes for students currently engaging in in-person teaching.
The state government's cabinet crisis committee is believed to have held a teleconference overnight, with a view that Mr Andrews would announce new and tougher restrictions on Sunday or Monday.
Melbourne and Mitchell Shire could face a six-week period of tighter constraints, including the almost complete shutdown of the city's public transport network, starting from Wednesday.
All Victorians are now required to wear face coverings, and areas where people are restricted from visiting others and hosting visitors was expanded on Thursday.
More to come.
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