A PUBLIC health expert has warned coronavirus will be "extremely challenging" for hospitals if its peak coincides with the flu season.
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But La Trobe University's doctor Hassan Vally said considerable pandemic planning had worked through various options to supplement the health workforce.
Health authorities have warned the peak of COVID-19 in Australia and the country's flu season may coincide.
Mr Vally said the challenge was especially true given the severity of the flu season was still unknown.
The Victorian government's COVID-19 pandemic plan released on Wednesday, warns that schools and workplaces may have to close, while large events may be cancelled.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday that organised gatherings of more than 500 people should not go ahead.
Dr Vally said the state government's pandemic plan outlined measures to fill gaps in the health workforce that might result from school closures.
But he said the reality was COVID-19 would have effects on the frontline health workforce.
"Resources will be stretched at this time," Dr Vally said.
"However, the considerable pandemic planning that has occurred prior to COVID-19 has worked through various options to supplement the health workforce."
The Victorian government's plan also includes social distancing measures, and voluntary isolation of those exposed, to minimise spread of the illness.
Dr Vally said delaying the spread of the disease would have a significant effect on the number of people who got sick.
"Basic public health control measures of identifying cases and isolating them ... is one of the simplest yet most effective ways we have to prevent the spread of disease," he said.
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