Victoria records grim new record for Covid-19 hospitalisations

Victorian officials have revealed a grim new record after the state recorded more than 25,000 cases of Covid-19 and 23 deaths.

Victoria has seen its highest ever number of Covid-19 positive patients in hospitals as the state recorded 25,526 new cases and 23 deaths.

There are now 1054 infected people hospitalised, with 115 in intensive care and 30 on ventilators.

The new cases have notched up the number of total active infections to 227,105.

Covid-19 Response Commander Jeroen Weimar said, the state had “unfortunately and sadly” surpassed 1000 hospitalised patients on Friday but Saturday’s figures meant it had reached its highest number of hospitalisations since the pandemic began.

“This again highlights how transmissible Omicron is but also how avoidable it is,” he said.

“Less than half of people in hospital were not fully vaccinated.

“Over 1000 people require significant care in hospitals and we expect to continue to see those numbers go up in the weeks ahead and that means significant pressure for our doctors, nurses, clinicians and support staff that work in the system.”

Victoria recorded 25,526 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Hotels once used to quarantine Victoria’s returning travellers will soon be used to house infected patients to try free up hospital beds.

Deputy Premier James Merlino confirmed The Pullman on Swanston St and The Mantra in Epping would become the first medi-hotels for recovering Covid patients.

He said patients nearing the end of their hospital stay and needed a lower level of care would be transferred to complete their treatment in the hotels.

“This will alleviate some of the pressure on our hospitals, moving some patients out of the hospital system who can otherwise be cared for in a medi-hotel,” Mr Merlino said.

The two hotels will take the first patients from Monday and are expected to have the capacity to care for more than 300 patients at a time, once the operation is fully functional.

The Pullman on Swanston St and The Mantra in Epping will become the first medi-hotels for recovering Covid patients. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling

Originally published as Victoria records grim new record for Covid-19 hospitalisations