Australia's Victoria state ordered a snap lockdown in a bid to combat the virus with restrictions to take place from Friday to Tuesday. The restrictions include stay-at-home orders with people allowed to leave their houses only for care giving, essential work and medical reasons.

Australia's Victoria state put under lockdown amid virus surge

As authorities in Melbourne gave the green signal to the city to end the lockdown, four new local coronavirus cases were detected on Thursday. City officials have made wearing masks mandatory outside "in all circumstances" as Victoria reported new cases from a single house even as authorities have insisted on increased testing.

Melbourne lockdown to end today; officials detect four new cases

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the world leaders to ensure that the information about the COVID-19 vccine is shared with all countries, or the history will tell the tale.

Australian PM urges combined global efforts; takes indirect hit at Trump's secrecy

After a state of disaster was declared in Victoria on Sunday, night curfew was imposed in Melbourne for the next six weeks as the country braced from renewed coronavirus restrictions.

COVID: 19: Melbourne put under night curfew; Australian PM Morrison announces 'disaster payment'