Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews fronted the media this morning to confirm the state’s tally had risen to 5165 with the largest daily increase – 428 confirmed cases – since the pandemic began. There were 57 new cases connected to known outbreaks, one in quarantine and the remainder under investigation.

“I’m very sad to have to inform you there have been three further deaths bringing the total numbers of lives lost to this virus to 32 (in Victoria),” Andrews said.

As Victoria maintains its six week lockdown, with stay-at-home orders enforced by police, Andrews said it was still the best tool authorities had to manage the outbreak. He thanked Victorians who were doing the right things and urged others to follow suit.

“Please, use good judgement; please, follow the rules – that’s how we’ll get out of this,” Andrews said.

NSW also confirmed another five cases linked to the Crossroads Hotel outbreak in south-west Sydney, taking the total to 42. In light of the increased numbers, and the worsening situation in Victoria, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was “all hands on deck” to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“This is serious and the only way we will get through this is by being on our guard,” Berejiklian said, having already closed the  NSW border to Victoria.

Queensland is monitoring 19 people known to have visited the hotel but who have so far tested negative. The Palaszczuk government tightened its border restrictions in relation to travellers from Victoria, and areas around the hotel, and today reported another day of no new infections, with Queensland’s tally remaining at 1,071 since the start of the pandemic.

NSW has recorded eight new COVID-19 cases as the Premier reiterated the state is on “high alert” and extended restrictions on pubs and hotels to all indoor hospitality and event venues.

Of the new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, six were a result of community transmission, including a man in his 80s who dined at the Crossroads Hotel in Casula. That cluster now numbers 42 people.

Another case last week worked while ill at the Thai Rock Restaurant in Wetherill Park.

Five additional cases were recorded after 8pm.

Berejiklian said funerals and religious gatherings in NSW would have a limit of 100 people, while weddings and corporate events would be capped at 150 people.

Previously announced restrictions on pubs and hotels – including a cap of 300 people, mandatory sign-ins and maximum group bookings of 10 people – will also be extended to all NSW hospitality venues, such as clubs and restaurants.

The 20-person limit for indoor home gatherings remains in place for now.

“What we need to do in NSW is minimise the risk of those activities which we know super-spread the virus, those activities indoors which we know act as a catalyst, and this will also take pressure off our health authorities,” Berejiklian said.

Berejiklian said industry associations were on board with the changes.

There were almost 24,500 tests performed in NSW over the reporting period.

-additional reporting AAP