Covid-19 cases still high as Western Australia plans to ease restrictions this week

Covid-19 cases in Western Australia remain very high despite the Premier declaring last week that the state had reached its peak of the Omicron wave.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Western Australia remains high, as the state prepares to ease restrictions this week.

WA Health reported 7288 new infections overnight, taking the total number of active cases to 49,406.

There are now 210 people with Covid-19 in hospital, including nine in intensive care.

Premier Mark McGowan told reporters on Monday that he expected hospital numbers and overall infections to grow.

“Our numbers in hospital remain relatively stable and obviously our number of new cases actually has declined from where it was last week,” he said.

“We don’t know what it will do today — it may well jump up.”

Among the new cases, 2590 were confirmed via PCR tests, while the remaining 4698 came via self-reported positive rapid antigen tests.

A total 11,494 PCR tests were conducted on Sunday.

This is our WA COVID-19 update for Monday, 28 March 2022.

For official information on COVID-19 in WA, visit https://t.co/zTYXZD1B7Rhttps://t.co/iQRJufqkAypic.twitter.com/MEYQU75lo4

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) March 28, 2022

WA has a third dose vaccination rate of 74.3 per cent for people aged 16 and over.

Mr McGowan indicated last week that WA was at its peak of the Omicron wave.

He also announced changes to restrictions that will come into effect on Thursday this week.

Under the new restrictions, people will not need to check-in at supermarkets and shops, but must do so at higher risk venues such as restaurants, pubs and cafes where proof of vaccination is required.

Masks will still be required indoors for adults and children in Year 3 or above.

Indoor home gatherings will be limited to 30 people, while private outdoor gatherings will be capped at 200 people with the 2 sqm rule in place at private residences.

For two weeks, the 2 sqm rule will also apply for hospitality venues, nightclubs, convention centres and function centres, with a cap of 500 patrons.

The 2 sqm rule will also apply for the Crown Perth complex, fitness and entertainment venues, galleries and museums, places of worship, hairdressers and beauty services.

Major stadiums and seated entertainment venues, such as theatres and cinemas, will have a 75 per cent capacity.