Australian minister: Fines for not wearing a mask as new rules roll in

Greater Sydney residents were warned on Sunday to observe new rules making mask-wearing compulsory or they will face fines of 200 dollars ($153 US dollars). New South Wales police say fines will be the last resort for not wearing masks from Monday onwards. Coming into effect midnight Sunday, masks will be mandatory in shopping centers, on public transport, in places of worship, hair and beauty premises, and entertainment venues such as cinemas.

All hospitality staff are also required to wear one.It comes as the state recorded eight new locally acquired coronavirus infections, with five connected to a cluster in Sydney's western region.New South Wales' Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Sunday that it was imperative that people wear masks to prevent further spread of the virus.

The message comes as the state of Victoria is also facing a growing cluster with three new coronavirus infections reported on Sunday.The new cases are linked to a cluster associated with a Thai restaurant in Melbourne. There are now 32 active cases in Victoria, with 21 directly linked to the restaurant.

(Image Credit: AP)