Victoria recorded an all-time high of 8,577 new cases, surpassing the previous high of 7,442 on New Year’s Day.
As Victoria state reported a record number of new cases and hospitalizations soared in Fresh South Wales, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday that his country’s health system can handle the new wave of coronavirus infections. Morrison gave two television interviews before the figures were revealed on Monday. Victoria recorded an all-time high of 8,577 new cases, surpassing the previous high of 7,442 on New Year’s Day.
New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, saw its population drop marginally from 22,577 on Saturday to 20,794 on Monday. The number of patients admitted to hospitals, however, increased to 1,204 from 1,066 the day before. There were 95 persons in intensive care, up from 12 the day before.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the Seven Network that Australia’s health system is well prepared to deal with the rise in cases brought on by the emergence of the omicron variety. “It’s critical that, as case numbers rise, we realize that the severity of this illness is already being proven to be roughly 75% less than what we saw with delta,” Morrison said.
“That isn’t to suggest it won’t put a strain on the healthcare system.” It certainly can, which is why we’re working closely with (state) premiers and chief ministers to ensure those resources are available,” Morrison said. Morrison stated that the federal government would take efforts to ensure that hospitals have the resources they require to deal with the increased number of admissions. His administration amended the definition of “close contact” last week to ensure that health personnel who have been exposed to an active case are not required to separate themselves and can return to work. “We’re hoping to make further changes this week to bring more staff back into our hospitals and deal with the demand,” says the spokesperson.
