Premier Daniel Andrews says Victoria has recorded 723 more coronavirus case and 13 deaths over the past 24 hours.
They are both daily records since the pandemic began.
To combat the deadly virus, the state government has brought in a $200 penalty for those caught without wearing a mask throughout Melbourne and the Michell Shire.
And throughout Victoria, from 11:59 pm on Sunday, face coverings will be required for all residents and those caught without one will also be hit with a fine.
“It’s inconvenient, it’s challenging, but it’s essentially Stage 4 for Melbourne, and it’s something we can do in regional Victoria without causing significant economic cost, but getting a really significant public health benefit,” the politician said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says VIC’s COVID numbers are nothing short of disturbing and has labelled the new cases as “very concerning.”
The Victorian premier remains optimistic however that the state can “get on top of this” if people choose to “make the smallest of sacrifices,” by not visiting friends, covering their face with coverings and choosing to maintain a safe distance away from vulnerable loved ones.
He has also warned that worse may be yet to come if these restrictions are not closely followed.
“…People are visiting friends and family – and taking the virus home with them,” he said in a statement.
“We relax, we get comfortable and we forget all the rules about keeping safe.
“As challenging as it is, these changes are fundamentally about protecting the people you love.”
