Western Australia's Chief Health Officer has warned of ballooning COVID-19 cases in the state over coming weeks.
Coronavirus cases are trending upwards in Western Australia, just a week after emergency powers to combat the pandemic were revoked in the state.
It comes as parts of the country experience a sharp spike in cases.
"Based on local information and what is taking place overseas, we expect to see a rise in COVID cases over the coming weeks," Chief Health Officer Andrew Robertson said.
"Small numbers of the XBB recombinant subvariant are being detected in WA and other states."
Dr Robertson said the majority of WA's cases were still of the BA.5 variant.
The latest report from the Health Department shows 8,023 new coronavirus cases over the past week – up from 6,874 the week prior – marking a 17 per cent increase.
Hospital cases are also trending upwards – from 142 last week, to 176 in the latest report.
WA's third dose vaccination rate currently stands at 84 percent for people over the age of 16.
Dr Robertson said he had "confidence" WA's health system would be able to manage any impending wave.
Cases rise after state of emergency ended
Rising case numbers come a week after the government's state of emergency powers were rescinded, and responsibilities were shifted to the state's police commissioner.
As the state of emergency officially ended, all remaining health orders such as mandatory vaccinations and mask-wearing in high-risk settings were removed.
Even though it's strongly encouraged, following a National Cabinet agreement, it is no longer mandatory for people with the virus to isolate.
WA Health staff are the only people still required to stay home from work until symptoms abate if they have tested positive.
Four public PCR testing clinics closed at the end of October, leaving just the Joondalup Hospital and the drive-through clinic at Murdoch University as the free options in metropolitan Perth which do not require a referral.
A spike in case numbers over east has prompted Queensland authorities to re-introduce mask wearing in certain settings, while the New South Wales government is urging people to prepare for a wave over summer – as Omicron sub-variants make their way through the community.
Senior state government minister Paul Papalia said WA would "likely" face a new wave of COVID-19 cases.
When asked if health measures are likely to be implemented in WA again, Mr Papalia said the government would continue to make decisions based off the Chief Health Officer's advice.
"You've got to remember in Western Australia, we've probably got the highest third dose rate in the world … that should help us," Mr Papalia said.
"But that's the challenge of COVID, it's going to change, it's going to adapt, and we've got to respond as necessary.
"As we've always done since the pandemic, we'll accept Andrew Robertson's advice."
