South Australian authorities say they are facing a “dangerous situation” after reporting 18 coronavirus cases in the state’s first outbreak since April.
Up to 13 infections were linked to a hotel quarantine worker in Adelaide who spread the virus to a family in the local community, officials said.
The state has ramped up testing and brought in new restrictions.
Australia had seen cases drop to near zero after beating a second wave that was largely confined to Victoria.
Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, spent almost four months in a stringent lockdown before re-opening last month.