An aged care response centre has been set up in Victoria to help tackle the growing COVID-19 crisis in the sector.
Victoria recorded five deaths on Saturday, all aged over 60, bringing the national toll to 145.
There are now more than 500 infections in aged care facilities across the state and the response centre will assist with workforce provisions, the prevention of outbreaks and supporting providers.
Staff shortages are a problem in Victoria where workers must self-isolate while awaiting test results and can only work at one site.
The centre will be located at the State Control Centre and run by Emergency Management Victoria, Emergency Management Australia and VicHealth.
Heading the operation is former chief officer of the Country Fire Authority, Joe Buffone.
Victoria recorded an additional 357 coronavirus cases on Saturday.
There are now 1470 ADF members assisting in the state, with teams doorknocking for contact tracing where people have not responded to a phone call from health authorities.
"That's an immensely important step. It's about making sure that the spread doesn't continue. It's about saving lives and protecting lives," Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said masks were the current strategy to stop the spread, but refused to rule out further restrictions.
"Masks are effectively our stage four," he said.
NSW recorded 15 new cases on Saturday, including eight linked to the Thai Rock restaurant cluster and six returned travellers in quarantine.
Queenslanders in the NSW hotspot of Fairfield have until 1am on Monday to return home or face a fortnight of hotel quarantine at their own expense.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles says his team remains on high alert as coronavirus continues to spread in the southern states.
Western Australia has recorded two further historical cases through blood testing, including another from the Ruby Princess cruise ship.
But the state has had no new current infections for the seventh straight day.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for essential work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. It is also mandatory to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
