Woman dies after contracting Covid-19 in Western Australia as cases surge

A woman has died after being diagnosed with Covid-19 in Western Australia as case numbers increase again.

Another elderly woman has died after contracting Covid-19 in Western Australia, as the state’s daily number of cases surpassed 7000.

WA Health reported a total of 7075 new infections overnight, taking the total number of active cases to 38,742.

“Sadly, one woman in her 80s who tested positive to Covid-19 has passed away on Sunday, but was reported to WA Health yesterday,” a statement read.

“Due to patient confidentiality, no further information will be released.”

Among the new cases, 2213 were confirmed via PCR test, while 4862 came via self-reported positive rapid antigen tests.

There are now 180 people with Covid-19 in hospital, including six in intensive care.

WA has a third dose vaccination rate of 72.6 per cent for people aged 16 and over.

The state was tipped to reach its Omicron peak last week, but numbers have remained below the 10,000 figure predicted via the modelling.

Chief health officer Andy Robertson now expects the peak to arrive in the next couple of weeks.

This is our WA COVID-19 update for Tuesday, 22 March 2022.

For official information on COVID-19 in WA, visit https://t.co/zTYXZD1B7Rhttps://t.co/S19h8fbuGcpic.twitter.com/y7BeWbR94i

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) March 22, 2022

Premier Mark McGowan told reporters on Tuesday that the daily number of cases was “very high” for WA standards.

“Whether that’s the peak or not, I don’t know,” he said.

Despite the modelling predicting the peak would arrive last week, Mr McGowan said it was “very hard to determine”.

“The way we’re tracking, because of our incredibly high vaccination levels (and) our very high levels of mask wearing, we’re managing to keep our hospitalisations down,” he said.

“I don’t have a crystal ball on these things but I do know ... we’re actually doing better than anywhere else.”

The Premier previously indicated he hoped to remove level two restrictions by next month, but refused to confirm on Tuesday whether some rules would remain in place if cases remained high.

“We’ll consider the level two restrictions and when they come off over coming days,” he said.

“I want to remove those restrictions as soon as we possibly can because I know they’re very debilitating for business.”

Level two restrictions include home gatherings limited to 10 people and private outdoor gatherings in a public space capped at 50 people.

There is also a 2 sqm rule for hospitality venues, fitness venues, places of worship, beauty services and entertainment venues.

The full list of restrictions can be found here.

Originally published as Woman dies after contracting Covid-19 in Western Australia as cases surge