Change coming for Victoria’s elective surgery ban amid 14,553 new cases

A letter to doctors has revealed when Victoria’s elective surgery ban could end as the state notched up 14,553 new coronavirus cases.

Victoria’s elective surgery ban could be lifted as soon as next week after a statewide “code brown” was declared last month.

The potential change was revealed in a letter to doctors from Ramsay Health state manager Austin Willis that detailed that services could increase to 50 per cent of capacity levels.

“We expect to receive formal confirmation of this change by the end of this week and will immediately advise you once this is received so bookings can recommence,” he wrote.

“With surgical restrictions in various forms now in place for four months since the start of October, we understand that this is a challenging and frustrating time for you and in particular for our patients whose much-needed care continues to be delayed.

“We remain hopeful that through ongoing advocacy with our partners, this date can be brought forward and a clear road map provided to remove all ongoing restrictions.”

Premier Daniel Andrews detailed potential changes in Tuesday’s Covid update but refused to confirm when any amendments would be made.

“It’ll be better if we all just wait a while and we’ll make the announcements,” he said.

“We think it’s possible to resume services in a balanced and cautious way.”

Victoria’s hospitals have been under a ‘code brown’ since last month. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Victoria’s healthcare system has been under a “code brown” since mid-January, meaning all category 2 and 3 operations are on hold at both public and private hospitals across the state.

The restrictions were put in place to ease pressure on the hospital system as Omicron cases surged before eventually levelling off late last month.

Victoria recorded 14,553 new cases and 25 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours.

There are now 768 infected people in Victorian hospitals, with 99 in intensive care and 31 on ventilators.

Victoria’s pre-Omicron peak for Covid hospitalisations was 851 in October when the state was battling a surge in Delta infections.

In contrast, there are 2622 people in NSW who are in hospital with Covid.

More than 93 per cent of eligible Victorians are fully vaccinated and the state has 73,886 active cases.

A total of 35,030 PCR tests were taken on Wednesday and 17,644 vaccines were administered at state hubs.

Chelsea, 6, has her Covid jab at the South Melbourne Primary School. Picture: Rob Leeson.

Melbourne landmarks will soon become vaccine sites as part of a bid to get more children vaccinated as the school year begins.

Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Legoland and Scienceworks are among the locations that will be known as “K-pops”.

Nine locations across the city have already been flagged to become a part of the program, with each delivering up to 100 doses to kids every weekend.

Health Minister Martin Foley said the program was aimed to ensure Covid vaccinations were easily accessible to disadvantaged families.

“It’s a fun and enjoyable experience for kids we know who find it hard,” he said.

“We want to make it as exciting as possible.”

The K-pops will at first be invitation only for children with potential access issues.

Others served by the program will include children from out-of-home care, living with a disability or in contact with specialist services.

The State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Sealife Aquarium round out the locations.