Police prepare to enforce coronavirus hotspot lockdowns if outbreak grows

Police will enforce strict stay-at-home directions in Victoria's coronavirus hotspots if the spread of COVID-19 cannot be suppressed before July 19, as epidemiologists warn a 'severe regional lockdown' might be needed sooner to curb the outbreak. Victoria's coronavirus outbreak has prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to offer military assistance to enforce hotel quarantine – after infection-control breaches at two state-run quarantine hotels – and NSW residents have been warned not to visit Melbourne. Police have already ramped up patrols across the state including in the local government areas of Moreland, Darebin, Hume, Cardinia, Casey and Brimbank, where there have been several cases over the past week, prompting the Andrews government to hold back on easing restrictions.