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Victoria’s health authorities are preparing for a surge in hospitalisations and have announced urgent funding as the state leaps out of COVID-19 restrictions.

High vaccination rates have kept the state’s caseload and hospital admissions below modelling provided by the Burnet Institute, but a surge in cases is still expected and 1100 to 1300 COVID-19 patients could be in hospital by late December to early January.

Health Minister Martin Foley on Friday announced a $307 million package to help with hospital cases numbers.Credit:Jason South

Currently, there are 634 people in hospital.

Health Minister Martin Foley on Friday announced a $307 million package to ensure the state’s hospital and ambulance network is not overwhelmed.

It includes $42 million to employ another 150 staff to help assist COVID-19 patients to stay at home if they can, and will include home oxygen units to monitor their health at home.

Most Victorians infected by Delta have also been mostly under the age of 50, helping to keep hospitalisations low.

More to come

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