Victoria records 7169 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths

Daniel Andrews has made a major announcement in response to Victoria’s Omicron wave, outlining measures worth $1.4 billion.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has made a significant announcement in relation to Omicron.

The state government will spend $1.4 billion on more ambulance officers, respiratory clinics and personal protective equipment.

It will also extend the “surge allowance” paid to frontline doctors, nurses and paramedics.

“They care for us - and we’ll back them 100 per cent,” Mr Andrews said on Sunday.

Victoria has recorded 7169 new Covid-19 infections and six deaths but there are several positive signs in the numbers.

The state has seen a steady decline in Covid infections in recent weeks, with authorities now believing the state has passed its Omicron peak.

Six more people have died with the virus, but that is down from the 41 lives lost on Saturday.

The number of Covid patient in ICU has also declined.

There are now 652 people in hospital with the virus, with 73 in ICU and 28 on ventilators.

Victoria has recorded 7169 new Covid-19 infections and six deaths after seeing its deadliest day on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Health Minister Martin Foley said there was no doubt Omicron had put extra pressure on health and ambulance services.

“Our doctors, nurses and paramedics have done a magnificent job as our front line of defence against the pandemic and we’re backing them by providing the support they deserve,” he said.

Victoria recorded 7810 cases on Saturday - a drop after 11,240 cases and 752 hospitalisations were recorded on Friday.

Victoria reversed its ban on non-urgent elective surgeries with some private and day procedure centres to resume at half capacity from next week.

From February 7 Victorian authorities will allow private hospitals and day procedure centres to recommence surgery to up to 50 per cent of their normal practice levels.

It comes after the government banned all non trauma or category one surgeries amid the spread of Omicron.

If numbers continue to fall, authorities will look at continuing further elective surgeries in the state systems in the weeks ahead, with a goal to initially operate at 75 per cent capacity in regional areas and 50 per cent in the metropolitan public health system.

“We understand that this has been a difficult time for people waiting for surgery,” Mr Foley said.

“Bringing back private day procedures will help thousands of patients, while balancing the pressures on our healthcare system.”

Originally published as Victoria records 7169 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths