Australia's Victoria state races to contain virus outbreak

Health authorities in Australia's state of Victoria were racing to contain a virus outbreak that has grown to five cases. Four cases of community transmission were recorded late on Monday and another case was detected on Tuesday in metropolitan Melbourne. Victoria state Acting Premier James Merlino announced restrictions will be reimposed, which include limiting home visitors to five people, and public gathering to 30. Masks will also be required at indoor gatherings.

Merlino said schools and workplaces remain open. Meanwhile, New Zealand said it was halting quarantine-free travel with Victoria for three days from Tuesday evening. Health officials said they were taking a cautious approach as there were several unknowns about the outbreak. New Zealand and Australia opened a quarantine-free travel bubble last month. Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison is due to visit New Zealand on Sunday for the first time since the pandemic began.