Tougher mask rules for Victoria under consideration

Victoria's Acting Premier James Merlino will consider the latest health advice by Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton calling for a tougher mask mandate ahead of Christmas.

Professor Sutton and Federal Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly are recommending low-level restrictions across the state, including masks to be worn indoors to curb the rise of COVID-19 infections.

Mr Merlino today said no decisions have been made to tighten mask rules, but the public health team would consider the advice.

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"We take the latest advice and our public health team, our Minister of Health will consider that latest advice," he said.

"The Chief Health Officer has made a call for greater use of masks ... that will be considered."

Mr Merlino added mask-wearing was a "common sense, and prudent thing to do".

He remained tight-lipped about other restrictions under consideration.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison, along with state and territory leaders, will discuss possible tougher restrictions and reducing the booster shot interval at a National Cabinet meeting tomorrow.

Mr Merlino said no changes would be made to the capacity settings in place for the Boxing Day Test.

Testing wait times have also blown out in Melbourne, prompting concerns coronavirus cases are lurking in the community due to delayed results.

The Melbourne Showgrounds and MSAC clinics opened about 7am today and reached capacity a few minutes later.

The Albert Park facility reached capacity before even opening at 7am, with queues hours long.

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There are calls to extend hours and open more facilities to cater to the demand.

Staff told 9News an onslaught of people were turning up to get tested because they need to travel interstate.

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Testing results have also been delayed due to the surge in people coming forward to get tested.

Mr Merlino said sites in Melbourne's south-east were particularly buckling under pressure due to hundreds turning up for testing.

"This is obviously a particular period of very high demand," he said.

"I know there are some sites in Melbourne where queues are really long.

"I am asking for people's patience. A lot of people are heading interstate to be with family and friends."

Victoria recorded 1245 new cases of COVID-19 today, with another six deaths.

The six deaths included people aged in their 70s, 80s and 90s.

No new COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant were recorded in the state, the total number of people with the strain standing at 37.

There are 392 people in hospital, including 73 patients in ICU.

More than 66,000 people came forward to be tested yesterday.

NSW recorded more than 3000 cases for the first time from more than 136,000 tests.