Premier Daniel Andrews’ return to work date after accident revealed
Premier Daniel Andrews, 48, has received his Pfizer Covid jab ahead of his planned return to work, with the date revealed for the first time.
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Premier Daniel Andrews will officially return to work on Monday June 28, more than 100 days since a serious spinal injury sidelined him from the top job.
A freshly vaccinated Mr Andrews revealed on Saturday night his broken vertebra was now almost fully healed and that he was looking forward to leading the state again.
The 48-year-old received his Pfizer vaccination at The Alfred hospital on Wednesday and suffered no adverse reactions.
“This week I had another round of scans and a meeting with my care team at the Alfred and got some good news … They’re letting me take off the back brace that I’ve had to wear for the last three months,” he wrote.
When he returns, it will have been 111 days since Mr Andrews was last at work, after he fell down the stairs of a Sorrento property and suffered a serious spinal injury on March 9.
“The six broken ribs will take a while longer to finish healing and doctors tell me that between the ribs and getting used to not having the brace on, the next couple of weeks will be a painful adjustment,” Mr Andrews added.
“But overall, I’m feeling good and I’ve been given the all clear to return to work on Monday 28 June. I’m looking forward to it.”
Wild conspiracy theories over the lengthy disappearance were quashed by the Premier, who ordered Ambulance Victoria to issue a statement on the incident, after the state opposition demanded questions be answered.
Opposition leader Michael O’Brien justified the attack by saying it was “legitimate” to ask questions to establish the “whole truth”.
The Premier’s return appeared to be soon, after an image was shared on social media of him receiving a home haircut during Melbourne’s lockdown by his wife Cath.
Mr Andrews thanked his wife and kids, and the medical teams for their care over the past three months.
“I’m grateful to James Merlino for stepping in to lead the government and the state through a really difficult time – he’s done an amazing job.
“And finally, a special thanks to the tens of thousands of Victorians – especially all the kids – who’ve sent cards and letters and emails.
“Your kindness and concern is the best medicine … Being Premier is a great honour. I cannot wait to get back to work, fit and healthy – and getting things done.”
The state government has refused to detail whether more restrictions will be scrapped as planned on Thursday.
It comes as just one new case of coronavirus was detected in the community overnight, but the acquisition source remains unknown and is still being investigated.
The positive case, a young man from the City of Melbourne, remains in isolation with his young family.
Covid-19 commander Jeroen Weimar said early investigations indicated the mystery case may be linked to the wider Kappa strain outbreak, suggesting there may have been a crossover in some social settings.
“It’s so important that we identify any of those branches of this Kappa outbreak that are out there,” he said.
Five new exposure sites in Southbank were added late Saturday afternoon, including a popular McDonalds which was closed for deep cleaning.
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