Only the most vital elective surgeries will be allowed from midnight Wednesday in a bid to help the health system cope with coronavirus cases.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the suspension of non-urgent procedures will apply in both the public and private hospital system.
“Until further notice, all elective surgery other than Category 1 and urgent, and I stress, urgent, Category 2 cases will be suspended,” Mr Morrison said.
“Cancellation of elective surgery will allow the preservation of resources like personal protective equipment and allow health services to prepare for their role in the COVID-19 outbreak.”
