Western Australia records two more deaths linked to Covid-19
Western Australia recorded two more deaths linked to Covid-19, as Premier Mark McGowan announced a further expansion of the state’s free RAT program.
WA News
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Two more people who contracted Covid-19 have died in Western Australia, as the Premier announced an expansion of the state government’s free rapid antigen test program.
WA Health reported 8133 new infections overnight, taking the total number of active cases to 45,306.
“Sadly, two historical deaths dating back to March 22 were reported to WA Health yesterday,” a statement read.
“They were a man in his 70s and a man in his 80s.
“Due to patient confidentiality, no further information will be released by the department on these deaths.”
There are now 209 people with Covid-19 in hospital, including 10 in intensive care.
Among the new cases, 3653 were confirmed via PCR test, while the remaining 4480 infections were self-reported positive RATs.
Premier Mark McGowan was in Karratha, in regional WA, on Friday to announce his government would distribute 74,000 free RATs to remote Aboriginal communities.
Residents will receive 20 RATs per household, which is above the 15 tests available to households elsewhere in the state under the government’s free RATs program.
Mr McGowan said that was due to their distance from services and access to postage.
On Thursday, Mr McGowan announced that from 12.01am next Thursday, most level two restrictions would be eased back to level one measures.
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 where proof of vaccination is required.
With more than 8,000 cases recorded today, it seems WA is currently experiencing the height of our Omicron wave.
— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) March 24, 2022
While that number is high, it is also cause for optimism.
At this point in time, it appears the doubling of case numbers has stopped – which is a good thing. pic.twitter.com/5gJbIKkjd8
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.
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.
Meanwhile, the state opposition has called for the G2G Pass system to be scrapped, describing it as redundant and an unnecessary burden for travellers given WA no longer had a hard border in place.
Opposition Leader Mia Davies said there were other ways to check vaccination status, using certificates and the ServiceWA app.
“Why should people who want to visit loved ones, conduct business, or simply see what WA has to offer, not be allowed to just show their vaccine certificate?” she said in a statement on Friday.
“WA remains the only state or territory in the country to still use border passes — it is time for the G2G Pass requirement to be removed.”
Ms Davies said the G2G Pass also took up police resources and time as officers remained posted at WA’s borders.
“The application has been consuming vital police resources that could be better directed elsewhere,” she said.
“The G2G Pass should be dropped to allow police to resume their usual duties, and if the Premier won’t bin the requirement, then he should at least reveal an end date.”
Originally published as Western Australia records two more deaths linked to Covid-19
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