The unique COVID-19 experience in Western Australia: lessons learnt

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Western Australia (WA) experienced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a highly vaccinated and geographically isolated population.
• The state's unique position allowed for observation of COVID-19 in a controlled environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the COVID-19 Omicron variant experience in WA.
• To analyze patient demographics, disease severity, and treatment regimens at the state's sole quaternary hospital post-border opening.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 158 adult patients admitted with microbiologically confirmed COVID-19.
• Data collected included admission numbers, disease severity, risk factors, immunization status, and treatment.
• Patients were admitted to respiratory or intensive care units (ICU) between March 3 and May 11, 2022.

Main Results:

• 158 patients admitted; 32.9% primarily for COVID-19. Median age 62, 51.3% male. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) patients overrepresented (13.3%).
• 49.4% had mild COVID-19. Dexamethasone was the most common treatment (58.2%). Median length of stay 5.8 days.
• Eight deaths (5.1%), three attributed to COVID-19. Two-thirds of admissions were for incidental COVID-19 detection.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 cases during the WA Omicron wave were of lower acuity and severity than anticipated.
• Hospital admissions disproportionately included partially/unvaccinated individuals and ATSI Australians.
• Increased social support and geriatric/general medicine input were necessary for managing hospitalized COVID-19 patients.