Australian state reimposes masks after major spike in cases

SYDNEY (AP) — Australia has reported a major spike in coronavirus infections, prompting the worst-hit state of New South Wales to reimpose mask wearing indoors. New South Wales recorded 5,715 new cases, almost as many as were recorded across all of Australia on Wednesday. Victoria state also saw a sharp increase. Morrison on Wednesday convened a Cabinet meeting with leaders of Australia’s states and territories but ruled out lockdowns. New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet bowed to pressure from medical experts and announced that from midnight Thursday masks must be worn in indoor settings. The federal health minister says regulations are a matter for states to decide.