No new cases but South Australia begins lockdown

The Australian state of South Australia began a six-day lockdown with no new virus cases reported on Thursday.

A cluster of new coronavirus infections remained at 22 with three people in hospital in stable condition, officials said.

State Premier Steven Marshall told reporters the lockdown was necessary to prevent the virus from spreading further into the community.

Schools, universities, bars and cafes were closed with only one person from each household will be allowed to leave home each day, and only for specific reasons.

The restrictions also require most factories to close, aged-care facilities to go into lockdown, and weddings and funerals to be put on hold.

Outdoor exercise is banned, and wearing masks is mandatory.

Officials plan a further eight days of restrictions following the lockdown.