The national death toll is now 502, while state fatalities have reached 415. Meanwhile, Melburnians have been told they will be wearing face masks in public beyond the easing of strict lockdowns rules in Victoria. Victoria's chief health officer says people must expect to continue wearing protective masks long after stage four restrictions ease in metropolitan Melbourne. Hearings for state's inquiry into the failed hotel quarantine programme resume on Monday with more testimony from hotel security staff. The inquiry last week heard poor-performing security guards were moved between the quarantine hotels, while returned travellers feared catching the coronavirus during their stay.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 23, 2020 00:00 UTC