In a statement, Andrews confirmed he was admitted to hospital on Tuesday morning “after slipping and falling on wet and slippery stairs”.

“A CT scan has revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days,” he said.

“Cath, the kids and I are extremely grateful to the Ambulance Victoria paramedics who showed such care and kindness to our family this morning, as we are to the clinicians who have taken care of me today.”

He thanked Victorians for their well wishes and asked that the family’s privacy is respected.

Deputy Premier James Merlino will serve as acting premier for the next few days as Mr Andrews recovers.

“He took a fall this morning as he was preparing for work, he’s in hospital getting some precautionary X-rays, no head injuries,” Merlino told reporters at a news conference in Healesville on Tuesday morning.

“He’s fine. He’ll be back on his feet very shortly.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke with Andrews to offer his best wishes earlier on Tuesday.

Andrews had been on leave since Friday afternoon and was due to return to work on Tuesday.

The 48-year-old fronted 120 consecutive daily press conferences during the state’s second wave of coronavirus.

He has been the leader of the Victorian Labor party since 2010 and premier since 2014.

Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien posted earlier on Twitter: “Hope it’s not serious. Wishing Daniel a speedy recovery.”