Australia's Victoria state sees rise in virus cases

Health officials in the Australian state of Victoria said they were "very concerned" after 41 new coronavirus cases were recorded on Saturday. The increase marks the eleventh consecutive day of double-digit case numbers in the state. Victoria's Deputy Chief Health Officer Annaliese van Diemen told reporters in Melbourne that eight of the cases were linked to known outbreaks, one had been detected in a returned traveler and 13 were detected by routine testing. Another 19 cases were being investigated, she said.

"Obviously we are quite concerned and that is why we have ramped up these efforts to really, really find every possible case that we can find in these areas where the majority of these cases are coming," van Diemen said.

Australian Defence Force personnel have been deployed in the state to help with testing and logistics, she said. Victoria has confirmed 1,987 cases so far.