The Victorian government plans to evacuate residents of coronavirus-infected aged care facilities to hospital.
It comes as Victoria records 384 new infections and six deaths, with four of the deaths and more than 700 of the state's active cases linked to aged care.
More than 150 residents have already been moved from private aged care homes to hospitals, with at least another 50 to be transferred over coming days.
Non-urgent Category Two elective surgeries will also be halted to free up hospital beds, staff and resources.
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Health Minister Jenny Mikakos says she has found the last week "very distressing" due to the growing number of outbreaks in aged care.
From last week, for example, we have had a very distressing situation at St Basil's in Fawkner. This is a facility that is very close, of course, to many members of the Greek community and I know they have been particularly distressed to see the rising toll of deaths at that facility.
The federal government will pour more resources into Victoria to help tackle the growing COVID-19 crisis in the aged care sector.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced Australian Medical Assistance Teams [[AUSMAT]] will be deployed to Victoria, joining over 1,400 Defence Force members.
Interstate nurses, particularly those from South Australia, will also be recruited to fill staff shortages in aged care facilities.
Another five million masks will be distributed from the national stockpile, and authorities will continue providing support to Victoria's new aged care response centre.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for food and essential supplies, work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. People are also advised to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
