MELBOURNE, Australia - Another 74 infections were reported in the past 24 hours, with most cases in Melbourne's suburbs.

State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that about 3,000 public housing tenants in nine high-rise buildings placed in lockdown on Saturday will not have to pay rent for two weeks.

He also said there would be a range of other support measures.

"Those who are employed and because of the hard lockdown cannot go to work, they will receive a A$1,500 (£834; $1,041) hardship payment," Mr Andrews was quoted as saying by Australia's ABC public broadcaster.

"For those households where there is no-one in employment, they will receive a $750 hardship payment."

The state premier said healthcare teams would aim to test every resident for the virus by going door to door.

He added that essential services - including food and medical support - would also be provided.(FA)