South Australia will move some hospital patients to community care to free up beds for an expected increase in COVID-19 cases once the state relaxes border rules.
The government says it can make an extra 149 beds available through the program, which will allow some to receive care in their homes or aged care and disability facilities.
Premier Steven Marshall says the move is part of the government's $123 million investment to ensure SA's health system can cope when coronavirus cases rise.
That's likely towards the end of this year, with the current lockout of NSW, Victoria and ACT residents to end when the state reaches its target of having 80 per cent of those eligible double vaccinated.
Health Minister Stephen Wade said for many South Australians care could be provided by a clinician or health professional in the community instead of a hospital, easing pressure on the system.
"We have also seen the impact that the highly contagious Delta variant has had interstate and can learn valuable lessons from New South Wales and Victoria, where transmission of COVID-19 between patients in hospitals led to more severe illness and deaths," he said.
Through the community care program and other measures, the state government said it had now freed up 432 beds for use when COVID-19 cases rise.
SA reported no new virus cases on Monday.
There are seven active infections, all being managed in hotel quarantine.
Australian Associated Press
