Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews is in intensive care after a "concerning" fall.
A statement from Andrews on Tuesday revealed he had slipped down some stairs and had broken "several ribs" as well as damaged a number of vertebrae in his back.
"Subsequent medical advice has recommended that I remain in intensive care for a few days."
Deputy Premier James Merlino took over Andrews' duties for Tuesday, including a morning press conference where he confirmed the Premier was still in hospital. He will continue these duties until Andrews has recovered sufficiently.
"He's fine and will be back on his feet very shortly," he said, adding that it was a "nasty" fall.
Andrews had been on leave since Friday afternoon and was expected back at work on Tuesday.
He thanked the paramedics who showed him and his family "such care and kindness" and said he expects to be able to provide an update on his recovery "later this week".
The Premier has headlined the state's response to COVID-19, including a whopping 112-day lockdown beginning in July 2020 when the virus resurfaced in the community.
