Covid-19 blunder by Catholic Education left cases unreported in Western Australia

A Catholic Education bungle meant more than 1000 Covid-19 infections were not properly recorded in Western Australia.

WA Health said in a statement on Friday that 1110 rapid antigen test cases, which dated as far back as March 11, were not previously reported.

“This relates to an oxjmtzywnline portal, which Catholic Education WA uses to assist in contact tracing with its schools,” WA Health said.

“A misunderstanding from some people using the online portal, not also reporting positive RAT results to WA Health.

“Cases and contacts involved followed the public health advice. There was no public health impact as a result of this data matter.”

It comes as WA reported 6892 new infections overnight, taking the total number of active cases to 46,022.

There are now 243 people with Covid-19 in hospital, including six in intensive care.

Two historical deaths were also reported – two women aged in their 80s.

“Due to patient confidentiality, no further information will be released by the department on these deaths,” the statement read.

More than 4000 of the new cases overnight were identified via RATs.

WA has a third dose vaccination rate of 76.5 per cent for people age 16 and over.

Premier Mark McGowan is facing increasing pressure to scrap the mask mandate, but he has so far remained firm that the restriction will remain in place for some time.