Face coverings mandatory in regional Victoria from Monday

"From Sunday, August 2 at 11:59pm, a face covering will be mandatory whenever you leave home – and wherever you live," he said.

"I understand this will a big step for some. But by covering your face, you’re protecting your community, and protecting those extra freedoms your community enjoys.

"By covering your face, you’re keeping local businesses open, and keeping local people in work.

"There are, unfortunately, other changes we need to make.

"To date, new cases in regional communities have largely been contained to workplaces. Increasingly though, in some locations, we’re seeing a different kind of spread."