Melbourne to adopt strict mask policy as COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Latest Australia COVID-19 update sees mask made mandatory in Melbourne as confirmed cases continue to spike.

Masks made mandatory in Melbourne

Melbourners will be forced to wear masks or face fines in a bid to stop COVID-19 spreading further

As the city enters its third week of lockdown, residents will be forced to wear masks whenever they leave the house.

Premier Daniel Andrews entered the press conference with a face mask, taking it off to give his statement before donning again before he left.

Mr Andrews said it was this, or making more businesses shut their doors.

“It doesn’t come at an enormous cost to the Victorian economy,” Mr Andrews said.

“It still allows us to go about our business, particularly those who can’t work at home and for going shopping for the basics when you need them.”

The announcement was made in the wake of “significant” community transmission continuing to run rampant in the city. 

WA has had no community transmission since about April.

Some people exempt

Given the health advice remains that COVID-19 barely affects children, under 12s will not have to wear masks.

Teachers will also not need to wear them in the classroom.

But everyone else, including highschoolers will need to abide by the new rules.

Case numbers skyrocket

Victoria recorded another three digit case load today, with 363 people diagnosed. 

It comes after hope sparked by a lower number yesterday – 217 – which was about half the mammoth toll of 428 recorded on Friday.

But the spike again today indicates the outbreak is far from over, and the Premier confirmed as well as spreading through “family groups”, there was now evidence the virus was being passed between colleagues at places of work.

Three more deaths

The death of three elderly Victorians in their 90s – two women and one man – was also confirmed today, two of which were in aged-care homes.

It has been mandatory for about a week for aged care workers to wear masks.

It brings the State’s death toll to 38, and the national toll to 119.

The continued case load and loss of life prompted the State Government to extend the State of Emergency by another month.

Further Perth and Australia COVID-19 newson SoPerth.com.au.

Feature image: (AAP Image/David Crosling)