Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says it's "simply unacceptable" that a large number of people with coronavirus are defying stay-at-home orders.
Of the 500 people who tested positive for COVID-19 who were doorknocked by Defence Force personnel and public health officials on Thursday, one in four were not at home.
"Disappointingly, I have to inform you that there were more than 130 unsuccessful visits, so around one in four people could not be found at home," Mr Andrews told reporters on Friday morning.
About 100 people have been referred to police.
ADF personnel and public health officials doorknocking houses in St Albans. Source: AAP
"It is simply unacceptable for you to have this virus and not be at home.
"There may be a handful that are out, getting some fresh air - that does not explain these numbers, these numbers go well and truly beyond anything like that. And all that will do is spread the virus."
Mr Andrews urged people to follow the rules after another 627 cases were recorded in the previous 24 hours, taking the total number of infections in the state since the pandemic began to 10,577.
There were also another eight coronavirus-related deaths, including two men aged in their 50s. Four of the eight deaths are linked to.
Data analysis to determine further restrictions
Mr Andrews spoke to Prime Minister Scott Morrison about the ongoing outbreak on Thursday night and reportedly discussed the possibility of increased restrictions.
The number of cases has continued to surge despite Melbourne being in lockdown for three weeks.
Mr Andrews said on Friday an analysis of data from the first half of the six-week Stage 3 lockdown would be conducted by health officials over the weekend.
There has been speculation that Victoria could adopt a New Zealand-style Stage 4 lockdown, which would involve closing all non-essential shops and extra limits on people's movements.
But Mr Andrews said health and expert advice would determine if the current lockdown would be extended or further measures were needed.
"We could not open up with these numbers, we could not open up with even half these numbers. It may well be the case... that we need to take further steps, that the steps we have taken are not enough to pull things up," he said.
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.
