Australia's hardest-hit state will make face coverings compulsory after reporting a new daily high of 723 confirmed coronavirus cases.
Masks have been compulsory in Victoria's state capital of Melbourne and a neighbouring semi-rural district for the past week.
But Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said today that masks or other face coverings will be compulsory for the whole state beginning late on Sunday August 2.
In addition, residents around the city of Geelong will not be allowed to have visitors in their homes from late today.
The 723 new cases exceeded the previous high of 532 cases posted on July 27, while the state also reported a new daily high of 13 deaths.
Melbourne and neighboring Mitchell Shire are halfway through a six-week lockdown, which Mr Andrews said could be extended.
On Monday July 27 Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for patience in the state.
"There has been significant community transmission in Victoria. That will take some time to get on top of," Mr Morrison said.
