New coronavirus infections in Victoria have dipped to 384 after a record-setting 532 new cases were reported on Monday.
Premier on Daniel Andrews on Tuesday morning also confirmed six more coronavirus deaths, bringing the Victorian death toll to 83.
Mr Andrews announced further elective surgeries would be cancelled in Victoria as the state frees up resources to combat ballooning outbreaks within aged care facilities.
Aged care residents in coronavirus-riddled private aged care homes will be transferred out and into hospitals in a state government intervention.
All elective surgeries will be cancelled except for Category 1 procedures and the most urgent Category 2 procedures, Mr Andrews said.
"Some of the stories we've heard, some of what's gone on in some of these settings is simply not acceptable and it's not about blame, it's not about demarcations and having disputes about who is in charge of what," Mr Andrews said.
"The commonwealth government - I've spoken with the prime minister, ministers have been speaking, officials have been speaking - it was a very long night, but this is a critical challenge," he added.
Health staff, particularly registered nurses, would be moved out of some hospitals and into aged care facilities, Mr Andrews added.
"This is a shared challenge we need to make sure we do everything we possibly can and my commitment to all is we will do everything we can with this, everything we're asked to and we'll go above and beyond that," Mr Andrews said.
"This does not mean that every resident in an aged care facility, a private sector aged care facility that has an outbreak, will be moved en masse to a public, or indeed to a private, hospital.
"Where there is no confidence in infection control, where there is no confidence that care can be provided to a suitable standard, then we will do everything we can to move those residents out."
Four out of Victoria's six new coronavirus deaths on Tuesday were connected to aged care facilities.
More than 80 outbreaks and 764 cases are connected to aged care in the state.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for essential work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. It is also mandatory to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
