A man in his 70s with COVID-19 has become WA’s second-ever death in two years from a locally-acquired infection.
Premier Mark McGowan made the announcement a short time ago.
The man had been to an event at the North Beach Bowls Club before being admitted to Joondalup Hospital this week.
“I think he’d been in-and-out of ICU and onto the ward,” McGowan said. “It’s obviously very difficult for him and his family.”
McGowan said WA Health had no record of the man having received a COVID vaccination. He also had some underlying medical conditions.
“Whichever way you look at it, this is a tragic development,” Mr McGowan said.
“This is the second death of a person in WA who acquired the virus locally since the start of the pandemic.
“Of course, our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends.”
The news comes as the state recorded 99 new cases.
WA Health recorded 51 new local cases of COVID-19 in WA to 8pm last night. Of these, 44 are linked to close contacts, and seven are being investigated.
There were also 48 cases linked to travel, including 35 interstate travellers and 13 overseas arrivals.
The number of cases at Juniper Cygnet aged care home in Bentley on Thursday grew to 8, including 6 residents and 2 staff members.
One million West Aussies have now had their third vaccine dose, representing 49 per cent of the eligible population.
