Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said 25 new cases were recorded on Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive day of double-digit increase in the state.
The new localised household limitations, as well as restrictions on outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 10 people, would come into effect on Monday and remain in place until 12 July.
He warned that a return to strict lockdown could be imposed in hot spots or areas where measures aren't strictly observed.
Daniel Andrews shamelessly blames families for this week’s COVID spike, yet did nothing to stop a 10,000+ mass gathering 2 weeks ago. Inconsistent messages. Confusion. Failed Leadership. Small businesses, jobs, livelihoods will suffer because of #LaborHypocrisy #SpringSt pic.twitter.com/MVa7N7m9XC
— Bridget Vallence MP (@BridgetVallence) June 20, 2020
'Frustrated, disappointed'
An improving Covid-19 trend in Victoria had the state eyeing a new relaxation of restrictions in pubs and restaurants, increasing the maximum of 20 customers to 50. This has now been delayed for at least three weeks.
Family-to-family transmission has been identified as the culprit in more than 50 percent of Victoria's new cases. “I’m frustrated by it. I’m disappointed by it," said Andrews.
The state of Victoria accounts for 19 of Australia’s 102 coronavirus deaths, and around 1,800 of the 7,411 infections so far confirmed, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.
The developments come as the World Health Organization warned of a "new and dangerous phase" of the coronavirus pandemic.
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