PM Scott Morrison still 'on task' in coronavirus fight despite family holiday

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he remains "very connected" to national coronavirus operations despite taking a break to spend time with his family.

"Just because I'm not in front of a camera doesn't mean I'm not on task," Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison has faced some backlash after attending at the NRL match in Sydney between the Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers on Saturday night.

The prime minister has taken a break this week with his family.

Mr Morrison was criticised heavily at the beginning of the year for taking a holiday to Hawaii during the summer bushfire crisis.

Speaking with Ray Hadley on 2GB, the prime minister urged Australians to observe social distancing measures, including "no hugs" with friends, while we wait for a coronavirus vaccine.

"We need to keep up all of those disciplines," he said, pointing to the outbreak in Victoria and a fresh pub cluster in Casula, Sydney as consequences for not following health orders.

Mr Morrison said "significant testing" was underway across Victoria and New South Wales.

He expected a high number of cases in Victoria for "some time yet".

NSW Health had carried out "very good detective work" tracing contacts linked to the Crossroads Hotel in Casula.

Thousands of people have been ordered to self-isolate after at least nine infections were traced to the pub.

There are reports the Casula outbreak could be linked to Melbourne.