Virus outbreak in Australia's Victoria state grows

A coronavirus outbreak in Australia's second largest city of Melbourne grew to 15 cases on Wednesday.

Acting state Premier James Merlino told reporters that all cases so far were linked, but  authorities were concerned about the numbers and the exposure sites across the city.

He said the next 24 hours were critical in determining whether or not the state imposes further restrictions.

On Tuesday, Merlino announced that masks were mandatory indoors, home gatherings were restricted to five visitors and outdoor gatherings were limited to 30 across Greater Melbourne.

The restrictions will apply until 4 June.

The cases are linked to a returning traveler from Melbourne who became infected in hotel quarantine in South Australia earlier this month.