Western Australia has set another record for daily COVID-19 infections, as well as reporting the third death of an aged care resident with the virus this month.
It is understood the woman in her 80s was being treated in hospital at the time.
The state today recorded 6,062 new infections.
There are now 28,772 active cases in the state, including 123 in hospital – up from 112 yesterday.
Two people are being treated in ICU, down from five yesterday.
The majority of cases, 3,332, were reported from rapid antigen tests.
Almost 16,000 PCR swabs were taken yesterday, accounting for the remaining 2,730 new cases.
COVID caseload a 'pleasing result'
Deputy Premier Roger Cook said today's case numbers showed the virus was still under control in the state.
"I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but 6,000 cases today is technically a pleasing result," he said.
"What that means is that the disease is easing its way through our community at a pace we can manage, and you've seen that reflected in the low hospitalisation rates."
In announcing that tickets for June's State of Origin match, to be played at Perth Stadium, will go on sale tomorrow, Mr Cook said the event was an important part of WA's recovery.
"If we were going to put on an event which says we are open for business, this is the one," he said.
Only half of the stadium's 30,000 tickets will be sold initially, with the rest to be made available once restrictions ease and allow a full capacity crowd.
"[I] can't guarantee anything under COVID, but I'm very much looking forward to a full stadium in June. I think we can do that," he said.
Mr Cook said cases were continuing to track closely to the government's modelling, which should give event organisers confidence to start scheduling their events over coming months.
Different set of rules for sportspeople
It has also been revealed the government granted professional sportspeople and their support staff an exemption from some of the state's travel rules.
To enter WA, travellers must be triple-dose vaccinated if they are eligible for a booster.
But the Professional Sportspersons Directions, which were signed by Police Commissioner and State Emergency Coordinator Chris Dawson earlier this month, allow sportspeople into the state even if they are eligible for a booster but are yet to receive it.
While in WA, they are required to self-quarantine and can only leave isolation to train or play in a game.
The rules also require that in most circumstances, they "take all reasonable steps" to leave WA as soon as possible after participating in the match.
They must also be tested, either by a PCR or rapid antigen test, within 12 hours of flying into the state.
When asked about the exception, Mr Cook said throughout the pandemic, WA had tried to balance protecting the public with allowing sporting matches to go ahead.
"One of the things we try to do is to accommodate players, where we can, but with the appropriate protections around that person and around the WA public," he said.
Aged care vaccination rate low
According to the latest Commonwealth data, which is current to yesterday, 167 COVID cases have been reported in WA aged care in the last week.
The only states to record more new cases were New South Wales, with 326, and Victoria with 172.
The data also shows WA has the second lowest vaccination rate among aged care residents – with 89.4 per cent double-dose vaccinated.
Queensland has the lowest rate, at 88 per cent, while the ACT is the highest at 96.
Data compiled to 8pm last Thursday showed 350 WA aged care residents and staff had been infected with COVID.
The Italian Village Fremantle recorded the highest number of cases, with 30 residents and 14 staff.
Brightwater facility The Cove in Mandurah was among the first to report cases — so far, 24 residents and 12 staff have been infected.
