Victoria has yet again recorded its biggest day of COVID-19 growth, with 288 new cases confirmed.
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The alarming number is the first time Victoria has exceeded 200 cases in one day, swamping the previous 24-hour record of 191.
The vast majority of cases are still being investigating by public health officials, with 262 of the new cases still under investigation.
There were more than 37,000 tests done in Victoria on Thursday.
"When you're looking that much, you are trying to find these cases," said Premier Daniel Andrews.
"I know there will be particular concern about the numbers, people will be very worried to see it as high as it is.
"It was always going to get worse before it got better and we are doing more tests than ever - not by a small margin but by a great margin."
As of Thursday, Ballarat remained without an active case. However, Bendigo had four cases and Geelong had six.
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Friday's location data has not yet been released.
Mr Andrews also made the move to request Victorians wear masks when leaving home and unable to maintain social distance.
This includes shopping and catching public transport.
It has not been made compulsory, but requested particularly for people living in Melbourne.
He also hinted a extended lockdowns beyond six weeks if people continued to flout the laws.
Among some of the people caught by police was a group of 16 having a house party.