Elective surgery to partly resume as Victoria's health system gets $1.4 billion boost

Elective surgery is set to partly resume in Victoria from Monday, while the state government has announced a $1.4 billion boost to help the health system cope with COVID-19.

The announcements come as the state has recorded 11,240 new COVID-19 cases and 36 deaths in the past 24 hours.

After weeks of elective surgery having been paused across the state, Health Minister Martin Foley announced that private hospitals and day surgery clinics can recommence elective day surgery to 50 per cent of normal levels from Monday, February 7.

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"We are now in a position.. to cautiously and carefully turn that system on next week," he said.

He said the resumption of further elective surgery would be considered a week later.

He said if the state's COVID-19 case numbers continued to trend downwards, he would consider returning more elective surgery at 50 per cent for Melbourne and 75 per cent for Victoria.

Mr Foley further announced the state government will provide a $1.4 billion funding package for the health system to help it cope with the continuing impact of COVID-19.

"The entire public health system is under pressure day in-day out, like never before," he said.

He said $938 million would go to public hospitals.

Mr Foley said $191 million would go towards boosting PPE equipment stocks, while $225 million will go into emergency departments.

$200 million will go into expanding the COVID Positive Pathways program, which supports COVID-19 patients in their homes.

There are 707 people in hospital, with 79 in intensive care.

The state now has a total of 65,968 active cases.

Mr Foley eight of the 36 COVID-19 deaths recorded in the state today dated back to November, December and early January.

Meanwhile, AFL fans could soon enjoy full crowds at the MCG, with caps on attendance likely to be lifted in round one.

While nothing has been rubber-stamped, it has been reported MCG representatives are confident of filling seats, especially after the success of the Australian Open.

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