Melbourne heads back into coronavirus lockdown

William WEST / AFP

Authorities in Australia have reimposed lockdown measures in Melbourne to contain a coronavirus outbreak.

Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to lockdown from midnight Wednesday for six weeks.

Residents will have to stay home unless travelling to work, studying, shopping for food or attending medical appointments.

Businesses and facilities that had reopened will have to shut down, with cafes and restaurants only allowed to offer takeaway and delivery services.

It comes after the state was hit with a record 191 new cases of coronavirus.