Mask wearing becomes mandatory in Sydney

Masks on Monday became mandatory in some circumstances in Australia's largest city due to the pandemic risk. People risk a 200 Australian dollar ($154) fine in Sydney if they don't wear masks in shopping malls, on public transport and various indoor areas.

The Chief Health Officer of New South Wales state Kerry Chant could not say how long the measure would be in place. The state on Monday reported its first 24-hour period without a new COVID-19 infection being detected since December 15. A cluster that started in Sydney last month has spread to Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, where masks have been mandatory since July.

Australian officials said three new cases had been detected in Melbourne during the latest 24-hour period, bringing the national total to 28,504. Only 26 COVID-19 patients were in Australian hospitals on Monday and none were in an intensive care unit, officials said. 

(Image Credits: AP)