What started as a lockdown out of caution against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;has now been extended for another seven days in Australia’s state of Victoria.

The Australian government had imposed a strict lockdown in Australia to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus. However, the lockdown has not been able to put an end to the cases as six new local cases were reported in Victoria this morning, taking the toll to 60.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victoria-state-lockdown-end-date-in-doubt-after-new-covid-19-cases-388785" hreflang="en">Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases</a>

Acting Premier&nbsp;James Merlino hosted a press conference to provide updates on the extended lockdown in the state.

"The best way to stop this virus is via vaccination, but as we know, only 2% of our population is fully vaccinated. If we let this thing run its course, it will explode," Merlino said. "We've got to run this to ground because if we don’t, people will die."

All the previous regulations have been removed, however, locals are still strictly advised not to step outside their home, unless for essentials. However, in the extended lockdown, people can now travel up to 10km of distance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-day-the-pandemic-will-be-behind-us-but-psychological-scars-will-remain-who-chief-388730" hreflang="en">One day the pandemic will be behind us, but psychological scars will remain: WHO chief</a>

While wearing a mask and social distancing will be compulsory, activities such as landscaping and painting have been allowed in the list of allowed outdoor activities. Students of grades 11 and 12 will also be returning back to face-to-face classes.

In addition to this, the cap on outdoor gatherings has been increased to 10 and outdoor seating in a restaurant can now operate with 50 people, excluding children up to one year.

Salons and retail shops have also been permitted to re-open but only with masks. Religious ceremonies can be held with social distancing, masks, and 50 people with a faith leader. Funerals and weddings have also been allowed with a cap of 50 mourners and 10 attendees respectively.

What started as a lockdown out of caution against coronavirus has now been extended for another seven days in Australia’s state of Victoria. The Australian government had imposed a strict lockdown in Australia to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

What started as a lockdown out of caution against coronavirus has now been extended for another seven days in Australia’s state of Victoria. The Australian government had imposed a strict lockdown in Australia to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus. However, the lockdown has not been able to put an end to the cases as six new local cases were reported in Victoria this morning, taking the toll to 60. Also read | Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases Acting Premier James Merlino hosted a press conference to provide updates on the extended lockdown in the state. "The best way to stop this virus is via vaccination, but as we know, only 2% of our population is fully vaccinated. If we let this thing run its course, it will explode," Merlino said. "We've got to run this to ground because if we don’t, people will die." All the previous regulations have been removed, however, locals are still strictly advised not to step outside their home, unless for essentials. However, in the extended lockdown, people can now travel up to 10km of distance. Also read | One day the pandemic will be behind us, but psychological scars will remain: WHO chief While wearing a mask and social distancing will be compulsory, activities such as landscaping and painting have been allowed in the list of allowed outdoor activities. Students of grades 11 and 12 will also be returning back to face-to-face classes. In addition to this, the cap on outdoor gatherings has been increased to 10 and outdoor seating in a restaurant can now operate with 50 people, excluding children up to one year. Salons and retail shops have also been permitted to re-open but only with masks. Religious ceremonies can be held with social distancing, masks, and 50 people with a faith leader. Funerals and weddings have also been allowed with a cap of 50 mourners and 10 attendees respectively.

Australia: Victoria's lockdown extended by 7 days as cases surge

Stay-at-home orders have been passed for all locals and current residents of Australia’s city of Melbourne and the rest of Victoria as the region went into a snap lockdown to control the widespread of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

The orders of a snap lockdown came on Thursday and the authorities have given a few hours to the locals to reach their houses and get essentials.

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However, locals have also been advised not to move around too much and stay at the place they are currently residing for at least another week.

The lockdown will come into force from midnight and will continue at least for the next seven days.

This decision was taken as the number of coronavirus cases nearly doubled up in a matter of few hours. The authorities are hoping to break the chain of transmission by imposing this lockdown.

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Authorities believe the circuit breaker lockdown is the only way to break the cycle of infections. "Given the circumstances, more than 10,000 primary and secondary contacts, more than 150 exposure sites right across the state of Victoria, Bendigo,&nbsp;on our border, right across metropolitan&nbsp;Melbourne,&nbsp;we need to have this circuit-breaker lockdown. We know it works," acting Premier James Merlino told local media. "We know it makes a difference. We’ve done this before."

He also cautioned people against the new variant which he believes is spreading at a rapid pace. Merlino also asked people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as the state opened vaccines to anyone above the age of 40. The snap lockdown is to avoid the third wave of coronavirus at all costs, he said.

Merlino also blamed the Commonwealth for the lack of vaccines in the country and claimed there have been a few issues from the Commonwealth in terms of delivery of vaccines. "These are supply issues the commonwealth is responsible for, securing, procuring, and then delivering the supply, so that's been one of problems," he said.

However, he also added that the vaccines are completely safe and the locals should trust the experts and get jabbed as soon as possible to avoid getting infected by the deadly virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

Stay-at-home orders have been passed for all locals and current residents of Australia’s city of Melbourne and the rest of Victoria as the region went into a snap lockdown to control the widespread of the coronavirus.

Stay-at-home orders have been passed for all locals and current residents of Australia’s city of Melbourne and the rest of Victoria as the region went into a snap lockdown to control the widespread of the coronavirus. The orders of a snap lockdown came on Thursday and the authorities have given a few hours to the locals to reach their houses and get essentials. Also read | Ex-aide brands UK's Johnson 'unfit' to be PM over Covid failures However, locals have also been advised not to move around too much and stay at the place they are currently residing for at least another week. The lockdown will come into force from midnight and will continue at least for the next seven days. This decision was taken as the number of coronavirus cases nearly doubled up in a matter of few hours. The authorities are hoping to break the chain of transmission by imposing this lockdown. Also read | 45% of Covid patients left hospital in worse physical state: Study Authorities believe the circuit breaker lockdown is the only way to break the cycle of infections. "Given the circumstances, more than 10,000 primary and secondary contacts, more than 150 exposure sites right across the state of Victoria, Bendigo, on our border, right across metropolitan Melbourne, we need to have this circuit-breaker lockdown. We know it works," acting Premier James Merlino told local media. "We know it makes a difference. We’ve done this before." He also cautioned people against the new variant which he believes is spreading at a rapid pace. Merlino also asked people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as the state opened vaccines to anyone above the age of 40. The snap lockdown is to avoid the third wave of coronavirus at all costs, he said. Merlino also blamed the Commonwealth for the lack of vaccines in the country and claimed there have been a few issues from the Commonwealth in terms of delivery of vaccines. "These are supply issues the commonwealth is responsible for, securing, procuring, and then delivering the supply, so that's been one of problems," he said. However, he also added that the vaccines are completely safe and the locals should trust the experts and get jabbed as soon as possible to avoid getting infected by the deadly virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Victoria orders snap lockdown for 7 days as Covid cases double

Australia’s second-most populous state Victoria has reported its first COVID-19 case in nearly two months with authorities scrambling to find the source of the infection amid concern about a new outbreak.

The development comes after Australia announced that its borders will remain closed to the rest of the world for an indefinite time.

A man in his 30s who had returned from India in mid-April and completed mandatory two-week hotel quarantine in south Australia tested positive for the virus after he developed symptoms over the weekend.

Although Australia has largely eradicated the virus with border closures, Victoria has had the most coronavirus cases and deaths and spent much of last year in lockdown.

"This morning the department of health was alerted to a positive COVID-19 test result and immediately initiated a full public health response. This is what we know about the case so far: the individual is a male in his 30s. He recently returned to Australia from overseas on April 19. He undertook hotel quarantine in south Australia,” Martin Foley, Victoria state health minister said.

The Australian borders were slammed shut last year in March as the coronavirus cases spread across the world with only citizens and permanent residents allowed to travel to the country.

Nearly, 30,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Australia since the pandemic took hold in the country last year along with 910 fatalities.

Over 2.5 million Australians have received their first jab of the vaccine.

However, the government has received criticism for its slow roll-out falling well below its target of having four million adults given the jab by the end of March.

Australia’s second-most populous state Victoria has reported its first COVID-19 case in nearly two months with authorities scrambling to find the source of the infection amid concern about a new outbreak.

Australia’s second-most populous state Victoria has reported its first COVID-19 case in nearly two months with authorities scrambling to find the source of the infection amid concern about a new outbreak. The development comes after Australia announced that its borders will remain closed to the rest of the world for an indefinite time. A man in his 30s who had returned from India in mid-April and completed mandatory two-week hotel quarantine in south Australia tested positive for the virus after he developed symptoms over the weekend. Although Australia has largely eradicated the virus with border closures, Victoria has had the most coronavirus cases and deaths and spent much of last year in lockdown. "This morning the department of health was alerted to a positive COVID-19 test result and immediately initiated a full public health response. This is what we know about the case so far: the individual is a male in his 30s. He recently returned to Australia from overseas on April 19. He undertook hotel quarantine in south Australia,” Martin Foley, Victoria state health minister said. The Australian borders were slammed shut last year in March as the coronavirus cases spread across the world with only citizens and permanent residents allowed to travel to the country. Nearly, 30,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Australia since the pandemic took hold in the country last year along with 910 fatalities. Over 2.5 million Australians have received their first jab of the vaccine. However, the government has received criticism for its slow roll-out falling well below its target of having four million adults given the jab by the end of March.

Australia’s Victoria on alert after first virus case reported in two months

As Australia recorded the highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases, the Prime Minister&nbsp;Scott Morrison announced on Monday that the internal city borders will stay sealed, until further notice.

"I am more hopeful of that today than I was in the course of the past week," Morrison said on Monday.&nbsp;The step is being taken after due consideration about how to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus.

He also added that the government is aware that some people are stranded away from home, and urged the state officials to cooperate in helping these stranded residents reach back their home state.

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With cases on a rise, Morrison made it clear that the government is not putting an end date, or even assume one, on the lockdown for now. "If I could paint you a picture that had any kind of reliability for next week, let alone five weeks away, then, of course, I would," he added.

Health experts have claimed the lockdown should not be lifted before Christmas.

Australia has still recorded one of the lowest surge in cases in the world&nbsp;with around 21,000 COVID-19 cases and 314 deaths. The country had, however, once declared a win over the novel coronavirus, but the state of Victoria identified few new clusters after reopening of the economy, which sent the country into a stricter lockdown.

Morrison also urged residents to stay home and step out only in cases of emergency. He also requested people to wear masks and maintain social distance at all times, when outside.

As Australia recorded the highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that the internal city borders will stay sealed, until further notice.

As Australia recorded the highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that the internal city borders will stay sealed, until further notice. "I am more hopeful of that today than I was in the course of the past week," Morrison said on Monday. The step is being taken after due consideration about how to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus. He also added that the government is aware that some people are stranded away from home, and urged the state officials to cooperate in helping these stranded residents reach back their home state. Also read: Australian PM extends lead as country's most preferred leader, poll shows With cases on a rise, Morrison made it clear that the government is not putting an end date, or even assume one, on the lockdown for now. "If I could paint you a picture that had any kind of reliability for next week, let alone five weeks away, then, of course, I would," he added. Health experts have claimed the lockdown should not be lifted before Christmas. Australia has still recorded one of the lowest surge in cases in the world with around 21,000 COVID-19 cases and 314 deaths. The country had, however, once declared a win over the novel coronavirus, but the state of Victoria identified few new clusters after reopening of the economy, which sent the country into a stricter lockdown. Morrison also urged residents to stay home and step out only in cases of emergency. He also requested people to wear masks and maintain social distance at all times, when outside.

Australia extends border closure after highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases

Australia on Sunday introduced sweeping new measures to control a growing coronavirus outbreak in its second-biggest city, including an overnight curfew and a ban on weddings for the first time during the pandemic.

Despite a lockdown that began in early July, Melbourne has continued to report hundreds of new cases daily, and authorities said the city's residents would now face a curfew from 8 pm to 5 am for the next six weeks.

Declaring a "state of disaster" on Sunday, Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said the state capital would move to Stage 4 restrictions until September 13 given "unacceptably high" levels of community transmission.

Melbourne residents will be limited to an hour of exercise a day, no further than five kilometres (about three miles) from home starting Sunday night.

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Only one person per household will be able to shop for essential items each day, also within the same strict radius.

Most school and university students in Melbourne will return to online learning from midnight Wednesday, just weeks after returning to their classrooms, while kindergartens and daycare centres will be effectively closed from Thursday.

Weddings will also be banned in the city. At the height of the first wave of the pandemic, weddings in Australia were limited to five people.

"These are the decisions made because anything short of this will not keep us safe," Andrews said.

"Anything short of this will see it drag on for months and months and months."

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Additional restrictions affecting workplaces would be announced Monday, Andrews added, suggesting that non-essential businesses will face closures.

The state recorded 671 new COVID-19 cases and seven deaths from the virus on Sunday.

Outside Melbourne, the rest of Victoria will move to a Stage 3 lockdown from midnight Wednesday with people allowed to leave home only for work, study, care and essential shopping.

Elsewhere in Australia, other states and territories have for weeks reported zero or a small number of cases while relaxing restrictions.

They have, however, banned visitors from Victoria and Sydney -- another virus hotspot.

Australia's total reported infections reached almost 18,000 on Sunday, with 208 deaths in a population of 25 million.

Australia on Sunday introduced sweeping new measures to control a growing coronavirus outbreak in its second-biggest city, including an overnight curfew and a ban on weddings for the first time during the pandemic.

Australia on Sunday introduced sweeping new measures to control a growing coronavirus outbreak in its second-biggest city, including an overnight curfew and a ban on weddings for the first time during the pandemic. Despite a lockdown that began in early July, Melbourne has continued to report hundreds of new cases daily, and authorities said the city's residents would now face a curfew from 8 pm to 5 am for the next six weeks. Declaring a "state of disaster" on Sunday, Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said the state capital would move to Stage 4 restrictions until September 13 given "unacceptably high" levels of community transmission. Melbourne residents will be limited to an hour of exercise a day, no further than five kilometres (about three miles) from home starting Sunday night. Also read| Hong Kong student applications to Australia hit three year high ahead of new security law Only one person per household will be able to shop for essential items each day, also within the same strict radius. Most school and university students in Melbourne will return to online learning from midnight Wednesday, just weeks after returning to their classrooms, while kindergartens and daycare centres will be effectively closed from Thursday. Weddings will also be banned in the city. At the height of the first wave of the pandemic, weddings in Australia were limited to five people. "These are the decisions made because anything short of this will not keep us safe," Andrews said. "Anything short of this will see it drag on for months and months and months." Also read| Australia: As diplomacy 'fails', friends of jailed scholar in Iran begin public campaign Additional restrictions affecting workplaces would be announced Monday, Andrews added, suggesting that non-essential businesses will face closures. The state recorded 671 new COVID-19 cases and seven deaths from the virus on Sunday. Outside Melbourne, the rest of Victoria will move to a Stage 3 lockdown from midnight Wednesday with people allowed to leave home only for work, study, care and essential shopping. Elsewhere in Australia, other states and territories have for weeks reported zero or a small number of cases while relaxing restrictions. They have, however, banned visitors from Victoria and Sydney -- another virus hotspot. Australia's total reported infections reached almost 18,000 on Sunday, with 208 deaths in a population of 25 million.

Virus curfew imposed on Australia's second-biggest city

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

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Australia's Victoria state which includes the country's second-biggest city has reported 363 cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total active cases to almost 3,000. These cases were reported despite a 10-day lockdown.&nbsp;

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, Melbourne, which is home to 5 million people and its neighbouring Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a mask or other face-covering in public spaces from midnight Wednesday into Thursday.

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"Most of us wouldn't leave home without our keys, we wouldn't leave our home without our mobile phone," he told a press conference.&nbsp;

"You won't be able to leave home without your mask and then wear it where it is absolutely essential to stop the spread of this virus."

Citizens will be fined $140 if they fail to wear a mask even though Andrews said "common sense" discretion would be applied to activities such as running or visiting a bank.

Bandanas and scarves can be used as an alternative. Andrews said that anything was "better than no face-covering at all".

Melbourne has become the first place in Australia to mandate the use of face-coverings as wearing masks was not common in the country and was not part of its COVID-19 response until now.&nbsp;

Australia has reported almost 12,000 cases of coronavirus country-wide and 122 deaths due to the virus.&nbsp;

(Inputs from AFP)

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates Australia's Victoria state which includes the country's second-biggest city has reported 363 cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total active cases to almost 3,000. These cases were reported despite a 10-day lockdown. According to Premier Daniel Andrews, Melbourne, which is home to 5 million people and its neighbouring Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a mask or other face-covering in public spaces from midnight Wednesday into Thursday. Also read: Record daily increase in global coronavirus cases for second day in a row "Most of us wouldn't leave home without our keys, we wouldn't leave our home without our mobile phone," he told a press conference. "You won't be able to leave home without your mask and then wear it where it is absolutely essential to stop the spread of this virus." Citizens will be fined $140 if they fail to wear a mask even though Andrews said "common sense" discretion would be applied to activities such as running or visiting a bank. Bandanas and scarves can be used as an alternative. Andrews said that anything was "better than no face-covering at all". Melbourne has become the first place in Australia to mandate the use of face-coverings as wearing masks was not common in the country and was not part of its COVID-19 response until now. Australia has reported almost 12,000 cases of coronavirus country-wide and 122 deaths due to the virus. (Inputs from AFP)

'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public

The coronavirus cases in Australia crossed 10,000 as Victoria recorded new cases on Tuesday with authorities concerned about a large number of patients on ventilators.

The country recorded 284 new coronavirus cases with Victoria recording 270 cases. &nbsp;Victoria has now become the new epicentre of the virus with the total COVID-19 death toll in the country climbing to 110.

Watch:

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The Melbourne region is already on lockdown as authorities struggle to combat the virus in New South Wales and Victoria. The Melbourne area reported 177 new infections on Monday amid the rising number of cases.

The authorities called in military personnel after the virus was reported in pubs. The authorities said the pubs could be closed down if the virus isn't brought under control. Police have also increased penalties against those who break coronavirus rules with authorities collecting $153,000 across Melbourne last week.

State premier Gladys Berejiklian said: "There is no doubt that the impact of what's happening in Victoria has impacted New South Wales and that's why we are in a stage of high alert."

Amid the growing number of cases, New South Wales set up pop-up clinic and increased testing. The state of New South Wales recorded two new cases at gym as authorities asked citizens to who have visited the gym in recent days to get tested.

Authorities in New South Wales also asked pubs in Sydney to limit the number of customers as the virus cases surged. The authorities were already concerned about the new Sydney cluster after three pubs linked to the outbreak were ordered to close.

The coronavirus cases in Australia crossed 10,000 as Victoria recorded new cases on Tuesday with authorities concerned about a large number of patients on ventilators.

The coronavirus cases in Australia crossed 10,000 as Victoria recorded new cases on Tuesday with authorities concerned about a large number of patients on ventilators. The country recorded 284 new coronavirus cases with Victoria recording 270 cases. Victoria has now become the new epicentre of the virus with the total COVID-19 death toll in the country climbing to 110. Watch: The Melbourne region is already on lockdown as authorities struggle to combat the virus in New South Wales and Victoria. The Melbourne area reported 177 new infections on Monday amid the rising number of cases. The authorities called in military personnel after the virus was reported in pubs. The authorities said the pubs could be closed down if the virus isn't brought under control. Police have also increased penalties against those who break coronavirus rules with authorities collecting $153,000 across Melbourne last week. State premier Gladys Berejiklian said: "There is no doubt that the impact of what's happening in Victoria has impacted New South Wales and that's why we are in a stage of high alert." Amid the growing number of cases, New South Wales set up pop-up clinic and increased testing. The state of New South Wales recorded two new cases at gym as authorities asked citizens to who have visited the gym in recent days to get tested. Authorities in New South Wales also asked pubs in Sydney to limit the number of customers as the virus cases surged. The authorities were already concerned about the new Sydney cluster after three pubs linked to the outbreak were ordered to close.

Australia struggles with coronavirus as Victoria becomes new epicenter