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The exponential rise in COVID-19 cases under investigation shows no signs of abating with the latest data showing the figure reached an estimated 3,201 yesterday.
All but two of these came from Victoria, where these numbers are almost equal to the number of cases with known local sources.
Of yesterday's 532 new cases in the state, 154 were linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 378 were classed as under investigation.
NSW reports zero cases are under investigation, although 370 were locally acquired with no contact identified.
The ability to track the spread of the virus is critical to Australia's coronavirus response, but COVID-19's long incubation period in infected hosts and numerous other factors have led to a backlog of cases for Victoria's health officials to get under control.
Whether it be through financial incentives or attempts to dispel any stigma around a positive diagnosis, Premier Daniel Andrews has been pushing for more people to test for the virus and isolate according to the state health directives if they have symptoms.
"No one will be criticised or judged for doing the right thing," Premier Andrews said yesterday.
There are currently 4,713 active cases of the virus in Australia, including 4,542 in Victoria, 158 in NSW, and single-digit numbers in all other states and territories.
To date Australia has recorded 161 deaths from COVID-19, compared to a global figure of close to 656,000.
Updated at 10am AEST on 28 July 2020.
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