Australia has reported a record 501 new coronavirus infections, nearly four months after the pandemic initially peaked in the country, with authorities warning of a critical new phase in its two biggest cities.
Most of the cases were reported in Victoria state, where authorities have struggled to bring an outbreak in Melbourne under control despite an almost two-week lockdown on Australia's second-biggest city.
Australia's new coronavirus infections previously peaked on 28 March when 459 cases were reported, according to data compiled by AFP, before the country appeared to bring the virus under control and began easing harsh restrictions.