Non-essential Melbourne businesses ordered shut to curb coronavirus

Most retail outlets in Australia’s second-biggest city of Melbourne would be required to shut down as Victoria recorded 429 new infections and 13 deaths. (AFP)

• Most retail outlets in Melbourne required to shut down from midnight Wednesday
• State recorded 429 new infections and 13 deaths from the virus on Monday

MELBOURNE: Non-essential businesses in Australia’s second-biggest city were ordered Monday to close as officials struggle to control a growing coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne.
Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said most retail outlets in Melbourne would be required to shut down from midnight Wednesday into Thursday, while sectors including meat production and construction would be ordered to scale down operations from Friday.
The announcement came as the state recorded 429 new infections and 13 deaths from the virus Monday.