Victoria has reported 7104 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths, as the state lifts its COVID-19 health system alert amid the easing Omicron wave.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Of the new cases revealed on Monday, 5046 were detected through rapid antigen tests and 2058 via PCR lab testing.
Health authorities say the state is now managing 53,707 active cases in total. There are 465 people in Victorian hospitals, no change from Sunday's number.
Of these, 66 COVID-19 patients are in intensive care, 18 of them currently require ventilation.
At midday on Monday, Victoria's unprecedented system-wide "code brown", implemented more than three weeks ago, will be lifted.
Health Minister Martin Foley said on Friday the government is confident the alert can be safely repealed, but hospitals are "still going to be very, very busy".
Melbourne public hospitals will continue to be restricted to emergency and urgent elective surgery with the exception of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Eye and Ear Hospital.
Those two hospitals, and regional public hospitals can resume category two elective surgery if staff are available.
The code brown alert implemented in January came as the Omicron wave placed pressure on the hospital system, with urgent services cut back and staff able to be asked to postpone leave.
Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday there is room for the state to adjust some of its restrictions and requirements "now that we've hit the peak of Omicron".
Density limits and QR code check-ins are under review, Mr Andrews says.
Queensland has ditched check-ins at venues that don't require proof of vaccination and Mr Andrews suggested Victoria would ease its requirements by the end of February, in line with NSW.
Australian Associated Press
