Victoria has recorded 363 new cases of coronavirus over the past 24 hours and there have been a further three deaths.
Of the cases, 327 are linked to known outbreaks and 327 are being investigated.
More than 26,000 tests were conducted yesterday. Two men in their 90s and a woman in her 90s passed away.
Premier Daniel Andrews, who removed a black mask before he addressed reporters, passed on his condolences and said it would be a “particularly sad time” for the families of the deceased.
There are 130 people in hospital with COVID-19 and 28 in intensive care.
Masks to become mandatory in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire
Wearing a mask while outdoors will now be mandatory in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, and those who fail to do so could face $200 fines as of Thursday unless they have a reasonable excuse.
Until now, people have been asked to wear a mask if they are undertaking an activity where they cannot safely stay 1.5m from others.
From today, people leaving home for one of the four essential reasons will need to wear face coverings, according to the state government.
From 11.59pm on Wednesday, people caught outside not wearing a mask could be subject to a $200 fine unless they can demonstrate to police why they should not be wearing one.
According to the government, it may be reasonable not to wear a mask if a person: is going for a run; has medical issues that make mask-wearing difficult; has a job that is not amenable to mask-wearing; is a child under 12.
Even people with excuses will be required to carry their masks with them when they leave home.
Teachers will not be required to wear masks in the classroom.
[source & credits]- TheAge
