Australian state records highest daily increase

The hard-hit Australian state of Victoria has recorded a death and its highest-ever daily increase in coronavirus cases as authorities prepared to close its border with New South Wales.

The death of a man in his 90s brings the national death toll from COVID-19 to 105.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday that of the 127 new cases, 53 were among 3,000 people who have been confined by police to their apartments in nine public housing blocks since Saturday.

He added that the high number of cases, after 74 were reported on Sunday, reflected a daily record number of tests exceeding 24,500.

During Monday's news conference, Andrews also announced that the state border with New South Wales will be closed from late Tuesday night in an agreement reached between the two state premiers and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.