Victoria has recorded another 66 cases of coronavirus, marking the 17th day of double-digit case numbers in the state.
The number is down on the 77 new cases of COVID-19 recorded on Thursday.
Of the new cases announced on Friday, 17 are connected to contained outbreaks, one is linked to hotel quarantine, 29 are from routine testing and 28 are under investigation.
Premier Daniel Andrews said it was important Victorians who experienced symptoms of coronavirus get tested.
“Obviously, there are lots of things we are asking of the Victorian community, particularly in hotspot suburbs,” he told reporters.
“But that key point around coming forward and getting tested if you are unwell remains so important.”
There are 442 active coronavirus cases across Victoria, including 23 people who are in hospital, six of whom are receiving intensive care.
Victoria has increased the number of COVID-19 testing sites across the locked down suburbs. Source: AAP
Friday is the second day of reimposed lockdowns in 36 suburbs in Melbourne’s north and north-west.
Mr Andrews was grilled on Friday about the state's disastrous hotel quarantine program.
There are allegations of under-trained staff, inadequate personal protective equipment, billing rorts by private security contractors and even claims that some hotel guards slept with guests.
"The most important thing is to pull this up, get on top it, contain it and then drive those numbers down so that we can get back to a program, a cautious program of easing," he said.
"We have a judicial inquiry, that is the appropriate way to go. I think a the former justice is someone who brings a lifetime of skill, a lifetime of a well proven record of the ability to get to the bottom of what has gone on here with absolute clarity.
"There will be accountability, absolutely."
Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said she had been anxious watching the state's case load rise in recent weeks.
"I have been very anxious. I was very anxious back in March and April when we had a significant spike in coronavirus cases in Victoria and I looked to the international experience and I was absolutely riddled with anxiety about what would happen in our state," she told reporters.
Mr Andrews on Friday announced an extra $2 million in additional mental health funding, with a particular focus on hotspot areas.
“That extra funding will go to mental health service providers … with a real focus on those hotspot suburbs, so the people who are under significant stress and are dealing with really significant challenges, very real challenges, can get the support and care they need now more than ever.”
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at
