Australia's Victoria state to deploy military, impose hefty fines to enforce COVID-19 isolation

SYDNEY: Australia's second-most populous state Victoria said on Tuesday (Aug 4) military personnel will be deployed to enforce COVID-19 isolation orders, with anyone caught in breach of those rules facing tough new fines.

Five hundred military personnel will be deployed to the state to bolster enforcement of self-isolation orders, with fines of nearly A$5,000 (US$3,559) for breaching stay at home orders, said Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews. The only exemption will be for urgent medical care.