There were 24 new infections detected in Victoria, with six of these out in the community while they were infectious while 20 are linked to known outbreaks and 18 were in isolation for the entirety of their infectious period.

Meanwhile, the Herald Sun reports that a COVID-positive homeless sex worker, who was listed among today’s cases, could be the missing link between a growing cluster of mystery cases in the St Kilda area though it is not yet known how the woman acquired the virus. Following the case of the woman, there are fears that the virus may have made its way through to Melbourne’s homeless community.

In the past 24 hours, following the announcement of tightened restrictions, there were 30 fines issued to people not doing the right thing despite video footage which emerged on the weekend showing people in breach of rules around the city, including an illegal engagement party at St Kilda.

READ MORE: “No other option”, VIC officials grilled over exit from lockdown timing

Reported yesterday: 24 new local cases and no new case acquired overseas.
– 27,173 vaccine doses were administered
– 39,832 test results were received
More later: https://t.co/lIUrl1hf3W#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData [1/2] pic.twitter.com/dESMp3ZkAy

— Victorian Department of Health (@VicGovDH) August 17, 2021

The weekend’s infringements sparked an angry response by Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews who tightened COVID-19 restrictions on Monday, which include a 9pm-5am curfew for Melburnians.

Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said Melburnians dobbed in about 1,800 public gatherings which took place over the sunny weekend.

“Be in no doubt, from here on for the rest of the week we will increase the enforcement activities,” Mr Patten said.

“We don‘t want to give out any infringements but the reality is we’re prepared to do so.

“Work with us, do the right thing and we will continue to make sure we have a very large visible presence.”

READ MORE: NSW records 145 cases as police continue to issue infringement notices to rulebreakers

Those in breach of lockdown will face $1817 fines and $10,904 for businesses.