Victorian police officers will be given increased powers to do spot checks and ensure people are not in large groups, with the power to arrest or fine them.

A taskforce of 500 officers has been created, but local police will also be used to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton was part of Monday's announcement with the premier.

"As well as dedicated officers for this task, it will be part of our general patrol work to be making sure that people are complying with these arrangements," he said.

Wangaratta local area commander Inspector Luke Kirton said police had so far been monitoring for issues at supermarkets, but would get more instructions from police command on the new powers on Monday.

"So far, fortunately, we haven't had any instances of poor social behaviour in Wangaratta. Overnight, with the Prime Minister now announcing the more strict measures for the community, we'll be monitoring that really closely to see whether that increases the panic buying once again," he said.

"We'll maintain our strong presence around those areas to make sure that everyone is doing the right thing, maintaining their social distance once they're there and maintain those safe practices.

"We're here to reassure the public and make sure everyone does the right thing."

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Police will be used to enforce social distancing.

"The messaging from federal and state government is very clear - to stop the spread of this virus, we have to take some pretty urgent and serious action," Inspector Kirton said.

"In order to do that we have to take preventative measures and if those measures are utilising powers ... to isolate and stop the spread of the disease, then that's what we'll do to protect the community."

Police Minister Lisa Neville said breaches to the advice on indoor gatherings led to the need for more police powers.

"Victoria Police do not want to be out there, having to knock on people's doors - unfortunately they have had to be and they will need to be over the coming weeks," she said.

"Police have the power - if they so believe they need to - to arrest you, fine you, detain you and they will use those powers where needed in the interest in community safety."

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