Has WA’s omicron outbreak peaked? Infectious diseases expert answers.
An infectious diseases expert has answered whether Western Australia has reached its peak in the omicron outbreak noting that he is optimistic for the state’s future.
West Australian Department of Health reported 3601 new cases on Sunday, another significant drop in daily case numbers on Saturday WA recorded 4,300, and on Friday, 5,005 cases.
Clay Golledge, an infectious diseases expert at Hollywood Hospital in Nedlands, told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast that it is too early in the outbreak to give a clear answer, but the trend of cases is clear.
“It’s too early to say, and I don’t think we have. I would think that it’s roughly about 5 per cent of the population that have been infected now if you look at the numbers,” he said.
“I think we’ve got not such a long way to the peak, we might peak in the next couple of weeks, but we’re in for a long plateau.”
Dr Golledge said that as the restriction ease, vulnerable people have to ensure their own protection but is optimistic about WA’s progress through the omicron outbreak.
“If you ease level 2 (restrictions), you’ll probably see a bit of a spike in infections,” he said.
“I’m very optimistic. I think we’ll get through this really well with a minimum number of deaths and hospital admissions.”
Press PLAY to hear the full comments by the infectious diseases expert on how WA is tracking.