The number of newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19 outside China is now outstripping new cases within China, according to surveillance data.

The figures show that in a 24-hour period, the number of cases has grown by 412 in China, but a total of 459 in other countries.

According to Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, the number of countries around the world now reporting outbreaks makes it more likely that we will have further outbreaks in Australia.

“Our major concern at the moment is the international situation in those countries which have significant outbreaks. We’ve seen further growth in the Republic of Korea and in Italy, and obviously that presents a risk to spread to other countries,” he told reporters.