The coroner will investigate the death of a two-month-old baby who died after contracting COVID-19 in the Hunter region of New South Wales.
The baby died at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital in December.
The child had tested positive and is believed to be Australia's youngest COVID-linked death, although it is unclear if the virus was responsible.
"Given uncertainties as to the cause of death, the case has been referred to the coroner," the Hunter New England Local Health District said in a statement.
"It would be inappropriate to comment further while the coroner investigates this tragic death.
"We offer our sincere condolences to the family who we remain in contact with and continue to support."
The Newcastle Herald reported that the baby was eight weeks old and was understood not to have had any known underlying health conditions.
Speaking at a media conference this morning, NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said she had spoken to the family of the child who were keen for their privacy to be protected.
"The coroner and the forensic pathologist are working hard to get the answers that … the family and the clinicians want, in terms of this child and the contribution that COVID may or may not have made to its death.
"Clearly there is strong public interest in this and we're very committed to sharing, to making known the outcome of the coronial [inquiry].
"But … the process will be that the coroner will inform the family, the family will have the time to talk to the clinicians about the implications of the findings, and then we will release it publicly given the significant interest in this case."
