Victoria's fight against COVID-19 has intensified with the decision to implement mandatory testing for returned travellers before they are allowed out of quarantine in hotels.
The government says people in quarantine will be tested twice - first on day three of the 14-day quarantine period and then again on day 11.
"Those who refuse to comply with testing will be required to remain in quarantine for a further 10 days to ensure they pose no risk of introducing coronavirus to the Victorian community," Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday.
The decision follows a sharp spike in cases in Victoria, which is the only Australian state to be reporting new cases in the double digits.
Mr Andrews also said the state will consider potential stay-at-home orders and suburban lockdowns to keep on top of clusters in Melbourne, after 49 cases new cases were confirmed on Sunday.
Four of the cases are from known outbreaks, 26 were detected through routine testing, while the remainder are under investigation.
"It is important that we continue to work really hard in unprecedented terms, in unprecedented ways, to get on top of this spike in cases," Mr Andrews said.
"I'm confident that we have those settings in place, but if we have to do more, of course, we stand ready to do that."
Mr Andrews said it was important to note that no community transmission has arisen from quarantined travellers, adding that he was happy with the way his government is responding to the rise in cases.
"You will never deliver a risk-free model - whether it be home-based, hotel-based. It doesn't matter how you do it. You will never be 100 per cent risk-free," he said.
"Much like a bushfire, putting this out is challenging. Containing it, though, is something that we can do, and [widespread testing and contact tracing] is the most effective thing to do."
He said 780,000 tests had been conducted in Victoria since 1 January and new less-invasive saliva testing would start from Sunday.
Previously, swabs were taken from the nasal passage and back of the throat.
Health workers are going door-to-door in Keilor Downs and Broadmeadows, with mobile testing vans and expanded community engagement teams on the ground.
Residents in the two areas were also sent emergency text messages on Saturday, urging testing.
There’s also been a confirmed case of COVID-19 at SBS' Melbourne office in Federation Square. Staff have been advised the office will reopen after a deep clean on Sunday afternoon.
Mr Andrews is also urging people to avoid blaming cultural groups or people from certain socio-economic backgrounds for spreading the virus.
"This virus doesn't discriminate on where you were born, or whether you pray or to whom you pray," he said.
"It is with all of us and it is with all of us for a long time, and that is why we all have to work together to beat it."
The Islamic Council of Victoria said some media reporting has blamed recent coronavirus clusters on the Muslim community .
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 now 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.
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Additional reporting: AAP, Biwa Kwan.
