The federal government will invest $2.8 million in a national COVID-19 management plan for 2023, warning the virus will continue to affect Australians.
Health Minister Mark Butler says the government's clear priority is to minimise the incidence of death and severe illness, particularly focusing on those most at risk.
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The plan will ensure Australia's health system has the capacity to respond to future waves and variants, promote the continued uptake of vaccinations and treatments and slow transmission.
"The national plan provides clear guidance to the community and healthcare providers on how the Australian government will play its part in managing COVID-19 into the future," Mr Butler said.
"We will continue to protect those most at risk, while ensuring we have the capacity to respond to future waves and variants."
The national plan recognises that COVID-19 continues to disproportionately affect some Australians and outlines a suite of measures including a forward plan for vaccine procurement and administration and additional help for those in aged care, Indigenous Australians, the disabled and multicultural communities;
It will also support effective COVID-19 testing to limit the spread and ensure that those most at risk of severe disease have fast access to care and treatments and strengthen the National Medical Stockpile safety net and pandemic preparedness capability.
Mr Butler said the government would continue to adapt Australia's COVID-19 response in line with the epidemiology, with constant monitoring and communication on any changes to be delivered through the National COVID-19 Community Protection Framework.
The minister said given the significant impact of the virus on older Australians, it remained crucial for aged care services to ensure their clients receive appropriate protection from infection and that any cases in their facilities are properly managed.
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