As the number of patients with COVID-19 in WA hospitals increases, health workers are concerned the sector won’t be able to cope.

The state branch of the Australian Nursing Federation wants the state government to bring back some restrictions if and when hospitalisations reach 300.

WA secretary Mark Olson told Liam Bartlett on Friday masks and social distancing should be back on the table.

“I don’t want to see elective surgery banned again and I certainly don’t want to see ambulance ramping approaching…8000 hours, but that’s what’s going to happen unless the government brings back restrictions once we see hospitalisations going above 300; that’s the critical figure for us,” he said on 6PR Mornings.

The number of new cases in WA dropped to 9328 overnight but hospitalisations rose to 282, with nine people in ICU.

WA’s third dose vaccination rate against COVID-19 has now reached 80 per cent, much higher than the national average of 65.

Press PLAY below to hear Mark Olson’s interview on 6PR Mornings