The Victorian COVID numbers surpassed 600 for the first time in the latest outbreak.

There were 603 local COVID cases recorded and one death.

The news comes a day after the construction industry was forced to close last night for at least two weeks following widespread neglect of restrictions and violent protest action.

Victoria’s Treasurer Tim Pallas last night announced the closure of construction in Melbourne, Ballarat, Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire after the shutdown came into effect at 11.59pm.

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There were violent demonstrations outside the CFMEU union office in Melbourne yesterday against mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for the construction industry.

“We put the industry on notice just a week ago, we have seen appalling behaviour on-site and on our streets, and now we’re acting decisively and without hesitation,” Mr Pallas said in a statement.

“We’ve been clear: if you don’t follow the rules, we won’t hesitate to take action – we have seen widespread noncompliance across the industry and that’s why we’re taking necessary steps to protect every single Victorian.

“We put the industry on notice just a week ago, we have seen appalling behaviour on site and on our streets, and now we’re acting decisively and without hesitation.”

The cost of the lockdowns is estimated to be $455 million a day, according to industry groups.