Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged $205 million in new funding for the aged care sector.

Aged care providers will be eligible for a $900 support payment per occupied bed in metropolitan areas and $1350 per residential bed at regional sites.

“The Commonwealth will be putting in an additional $205 million into the aged care sector as a one-off payment to facilities all around the country, to support them and the costs they are incurring to deal with the COVID-19 crisis in their sector,” Mr Morrison said.

“This payment is designed to give them that financial support. That will assist the industry code, it will keep aged care facilities safer and give people more peace of mind.

“The industry code reflects the national cabinet advice that it adopted from the medical expert panel, that allows access for families to aged care facilities.”

Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said costs for providers have increased because of new screening measures for staff and visitors and the need for increased PPE supplies.

“This measure is in recognition of those additional costs in managing COVID-19,” Mr Colbeck said.

“That takes the total amount that the government has put in specifically for COVID-19 up to over $850 million.”