Next 24 hours 'critical' for Victoria as COVID-19 cluster grows

Victoria's Acting Premier James Merlino has said he cannot rule out "further action" as the Whittlesea COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow.

Six new COVID-19 cases have been detected to bring the cluster total to 15.

New restrictions came into force across Greater Melbourne yesterday evening, including mandatory mask-wearing and limits on private and public gatherings.

Addressing media this morning, Mr Merlino said the next 24 hours would be "critical".

READ MORE: Melbourne cluster grows to 15 after six new cases

"I cannot rule out taking some further action, but we'll update people as soon as we know," he said.

"These cases so far are all linked, and that's a good thing, but we are concerned about the number (of cases) and the kind of exposure sites."

However, Mr Merlino said he would not "foreshadow" what those future changes might be.

READ MORE: Exposure sites spread wider throughout Melbourne

The MCG has been identified as one of those exposure sites, with potentially thousands of people affected.

Melbourne has so far endured three lockdowns since the outbreak of the pandemic, including one that stretched for 17 weeks last year.

READ MORE: Guest limits, mask rules: All the new restrictions for Melbourne

It exited its most recent lockdown, a five-day snap decision by the government, in February.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said Melbourne's immediate future was in the hands of residents, urging them to get tested to assist contact tracers.

Victorians are already facing travel restrictions around Australia, while New Zealand has temporarily paused its travel bubble with the state.



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