Australia's Victoria declares disaster, sets curfew to curb COVID-19 - Reuters Australia

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia’s second-most populous state of Victoria declared a state of disaster on Sunday and imposed a nightly curfew for the capital Melbourne as part of its harshest movement restrictions to date to contain a resurgent COVID-19.

On Sunday, Victoria reported 671 infections, one of its highest, and seven COVID-19 deaths.

Australia’s Health Minister Greg Hunt said at a televised briefing the federal government supports the measures with a ‘heavy’ heart.

The state of disaster gives Victoria police additional powers to ensure people are complying with public-health directions.

Andrews said further restrictions for Victoria businesses will be announced on Monday.

Neighbouring New South Wales, the most populous state, reported 12 infections on Sunday, with the state now “strongly” recommending the use of face masks in public.