Western Australia records one new Covid-19 death as Omicron peak nears

WA Premier Mark McGowan has revealed details about the death of a woman who contracted Covid-19.

Another woman aged in her 80s has died in Western Australia after contracting Covid-19, as the state recorded more than 7000 new cases.

WA Health reported 7151 new infections overnight, taking the total number of active cases to 31,211.

“WA Health can confirm a female in her 80s has passed away,” a statement read.

Premier Mark McGowan revealed at his first press conference since leaving his self-imposed quarantine that the woman was an aged care resident who was already receiving palliative care.

There are now 140 people with Covid-19 in hospital, including four in intensive care.

This is our WA COVID-19 update for Thursday, 17 March 2022.

For official information on COVID-19 in WA, visit https://t.co/gIGAhoXMnmhttps://t.co/Ka61NyH8lJpic.twitter.com/2Nsu0Oaygo

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) March 17, 2022

Among the new cases confirmed overnight, 3797 came via positive rapid antigen tests, while 3354 were through PCR tests.

WA’s third dose vaccination rate for people aged over 16 is now at 71.5 per cent.

The state is expected to reach its peak of the Omicron wave in the next few days.

Mr McGowan entered quarantine upon returning to WA from NSW where he was forced to give evidence in-person at his defamation trial involving billionaire Clive Palmer.

Although the Premier was not required to undergo quarantine because the hard border had come down by then, he said he did so to avoid any suggestion that he had manipulated the rules in his favour.

Originally published as Western Australia records one new Covid-19 death as Omicron peak nears