Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned Australians to prepare for the likelihood that COVID-19 will remain a threat for the foreseeable future, as Victoria records a record number of new infections.
Victorian Premier Andrews confirmed another 723 new cases of the virus in the past 24 hours, also making it the highest daily increase of cases.
On top of that, Victoria recorded its deadliest day since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, with 13 new deaths in the past 24 hours.
Mr. Morrison said what is happening in Victoria mirrors the struggles governments around the world are having as they try to contain the deadly novel pathogen.
"The reason that we're having problems is because there is a coronavirus and sometimes I think we lose sight of this," he said.
"The coronavirus finds its way into the nooks and crannies of our community and once it gets there, it takes hold.
"Now, on some days, the virus wins. On other days, we beat it. But I think we've got to be careful not to slip into some idea that there is some golden immunity that Australian has in relation to this virus.
"This virus will be around for some time and we will direct every effort and every resource we have two stop its impact across our community.
There have been at least 747 new cases of COVID-19 reported across Australia on Thursday with NSW recording 18 cases and the rest mostly coming from Victoria.
Worldwide, there has almost been 17 million cases recorded, with 160,000 deaths.
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