Australia’s Victoria has declared a state of disaster in an effort to contain the spike in coronavirus cases as it reported 671 new infections on Sunday.
On Saturday, the state reported 397 new COVID-19 cases. Two weeks ago, areas of Sydney were declared coronavirus outbreak hotspots.
On Sunday, Victoria premier Daniel Andrews also announced a night-time curfew in Melbourne and new movement restrictions for its residents. The curfew will be imposed daily from 8pm to 5am the next day.
Melbourne is already under a reimposed six-week stay-home order. Its residents will not be allowed to travel beyond five kilometres from their residence, and only one person per household will be allowed to shop for groceries once a day.
Australia has so far recorded some 17,300 coronavirus cases and 200 COVID-19 deaths.
