Seven more deaths in people who contracted Covid-19 in Western Australia as restrictions change again

Western Australia’s death toll linked to Covid-19 has risen by seven as Premier Mark McGowan announced changes to restrictions again.

Several more people have died after contracting Covid-19 in Western Australia as Premier Mark McGowan revealed changes to restrictions again.

WA Health reported 8616 new cases overnight, taking the total number of active infections to 42,988.

“Sadly, a female in her 80s with Covid-19 passed away on Wednesday,” a statement read.

Six historical deaths dating back to March 11 have also been reported to WA Health.

“They comprise of a female in her 50s, a male in his 40s, two males in their 60s, a male in his 70s and a male in his 90,” the department said.

“Due to patient confidentiality, no further information will be released by the department on these deaths.”

Mr McGowan later told reporters that from 12.01am next Thursday, most level two restrictions would be eased back to level one measures with some modifications based on risk.

It means people will not need to check-in at supermarkets and shops, but will need to at higher risk venues such as restaurants, pubs and cafes.

WA Premier Mark McGowan has announced a raft of changes to restrictions. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

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 limited to 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.

Standing service will resume at hospitality venues and nightclubs.

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

There will be no restriction changes for hospitals, aged care and disability care.

“It seems Western Australia is currently experiencing the height of our Omicron wave,” Mr McGowan said.

“But that gives us reasons for optimism. At this point in time, it appears the doubling of case numbers has stopped which is a good thing.

“We have cumulatively recorded more cases than anticipated.

“However, we have tracked along with very low estimates of hospitalisations, and even more importantly, we are well below predicted intensive care predictions. This is wonderful news.”

Mr McGowan said it showed delaying the reopening of the border was the right move.

“We will be monitoring the impact of the virus and level one settings regularly, with the intention of being able to further ease measures as soon as possible, when it is safe to do so,” he said.

“It is hard to predict that right now, but I am confident we are in the strongest position possible to continue on our soft landing.”

This is our WA COVID-19 update for Thursday, 24 March 2022.

For official information on COVID-19 in WA, visit https://t.co/zTYXZD1B7Rhttps://t.co/OQWOuaSbw5pic.twitter.com/d9yxGLXChz

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) March 24, 2022

There are now 209 people with Covid-19 in hospital, including nine in intensive care.

Among the new cases, 3848 were confirmed via PCR test, while the remaining 4768 came via self-reported positive rapid antigen tests.

A total of 18,288 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics on Wednesday.

WA has a third dose vaccination rate of 73.6 per cent for people aged 16 and over.

Originally published as Seven more deaths in people who contracted Covid-19 in Western Australia as restrictions change again