Australia's doctors call for harsher lockdowns as virus cases continue to surge in Victoria

Australia's doctors are calling for more restrictions in Melbourne as Victoria continues to record hundreds of new COVID-19 cases.

"A move to further restrictions would send a powerful message to all Victoria that this is a serious situation," Australian Medical Association President Dr Tony Bartone said.

"Stage 4 restrictions would significantly curtail the movement in the community.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Victoria marks deadliest day of pandemic so far

"The faster we get out of this we can return to Stage 3 and get on with learning to live with COVID and get on with our lives."

He said they would back any more "painful" measures if the government proposes them.

"We all as a community need to do more," Dr Bartone added.

"The numbers have stayed high now for the best part of two weeks, since the lockdown measures were introduced.

"All these measure are starting to take their effect but the numbers remain high.

READ MORE: Coronavirus Police slam woman who dodged border checks

"The amount of community transmission needs to drive down further.

"For every hundreds of cases reported, more and more Victorians will lose their lives.

"This is a serious situation, needing urgent attention."

Dr Bartone hinted the Melbourne lockdown could last longer than six weeks.

"We will need every bit of that six weeks and even more," he said.

"If we need to impose stricter restrictions, let's do so."

He also called for more help for the aged care sector.

Six deaths in Victoria today were linked to surging cases in residential homes.

"That whole sector has been under enormous duress for many, many years now," Dr Bartone said.

"COVID-19 tuned the Bunsen burner up. More needs to be done."

He also criticised people trying to flout restrictions, like those who have set up Facebook pages to share information.

READ MORE: Coronavirus Live Updates