SYDNEY, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Police and Health officials will assist the availability of ambulance services in the state of Western Australia (WA) from Thursday, following deadly and "excessive" delays due to staff shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
St John Ambulance WA, the state's primary provider of first aid services, will see representatives from the state's Department of Health and WA Police stationed at its headquarters to ensure appropriate coordination of the emergency response and provide immediate logistical support.
The multi-agency response will help the ambulance service address staff shortages and fully activate its Business Continuity Plan for COVID-19.
It came amidst significant staff furloughing in the ambulance service which caused an elderly woman's death on Sunday.
Until 8:00 p.m. local time Wednesday night, WA Health recorded 17,105 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the currently active cases in the state to 88,781. There were 300 people hospitalized with 10 in the intensive care unit. The state also reported six more deaths dating back to May 16. ■