Western Australia has set a fresh record with 8,429 new COVID-19 cases while also recording another death from the virus.
Authorities confirmed a man aged in his 90s passed away on Monday, with the death included in today's figures as it was not reported to WA Health until yesterday.
The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital has increased from 180 to 194, with nine in ICU.
The state is getting closer to its expected peak of around 10,000 new cases a day and currently has 40,695 active infections.
Case numbers had fallen for four consecutive days until yesterday, when 7,075 new infections were recorded.
Peak expected in 'next couple of weeks'
Speaking after appearing before a parliamentary committee, Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson confirmed WA's case numbers were expected to peak in the coming weeks.
But he said authorities were actively monitoring the BA.2 variant and how it could affect the current wave.
"The BA.2 variant is obviously something that is playing out both here and on the east coast, and we are looking at what impact that may have on our modelling," Dr Robertson said.
"But we would still anticipate a peak in the next couple of weeks, and that it will drop as it has done in other jurisdictions."
When asked about the easing of level two restrictions, which Premier Mark McGowan has said would depend on Dr Robertson's advice, he said it would be more likely that cases would peak before any measures could be eased.
"We're reviewing those restrictions every day, having a look at the restrictions and where we're at with the caseload, and obviously making recommendations to government based on that," Dr Robertson said.
"What we don't want to do is to exacerbate the number of cases, but I think we're in a very good position with very good vaccination rates.
"The public health and social measures have been quite effective in suppressing some of the spread of the disease."
Dr Robertson also suggested that further modelling would not be released to the public beyond the five-page summary that has already been published.
The WA Liberals have called for a review of the restrictions, which are having a devastating impact on some businesses.
Today was the first time Dr Robertson has spoken publicly in a number of weeks.
Of the new cases, 3,750 were confirmed from a PCR test, with the remaining 4,679 from self-reported rapid antigen tests.
A total 17,552 PCR tests were carried out at either state-run or private pathology clinics yesterday.
Dr Robertson also stressed that while modelling was useful, it was "not a forecasting tool", and that the state still had a way to go.
But shadow treasurer Steve Thomas said the modelling should be able to give businesses an indication of when level two restrictions might be eased.
"There are businesses out there today who are considering closing who might be able to hold on if they get some certainty on when the restrictions are going to change," he said.
"Surely that modelling is sufficient and adequate for us to be able to use it to determine when these restrictions need to be removed."
The Premier has previously said restrictions will be reviewed before the end of the month.
Telehealth helping cut hospitalisation
One factor influencing the hospitalisation rate is a WA Government telehealth program, which monitors people at high risk of severe illness because of factors like their age, medical history, symptoms and social situation.
Everyone who tests positive should receive an alert about the service, which is designed to help people manage their illness at home and avoid going to emergency departments.
The Department of Health said 670 people were currently being monitored under the COVID care in the home program.
Of the 1,284 people accepted into the program since it was launched on January 31, just 33 have been admitted to hospital.
