Western Australia has recorded one new local case of Covid-19 as more than two million residents are freed from lockdown, with tough restrictions to remain.
The infected person is the partner of a previous case and has been in quarantine since June 26, after initially testing negative and becoming symptomatic on July 1.
WA Health Minister Roger Cook confirmed the man does not pose a health risk to the wider community in a press conference on Sunday.
WA Health Minister Roger Cook (pictured) confirmed the new local case does not pose a health risk to the community in a press conference on Sunday
The infected person is the partner of a previous case and has been in quarantine since June 26, after initially testing negative and becoming symptomatic on July 1
The case follows a four-day lockdown in Perth and the Peel regions, sparked by an outbreak in Perth’s northern suburbs when a woman tested positive after returning from a Sydney exposure site.
Health Minister Roger Cook also announced 398 close contacts linked to the northern suburbs outbreak had tested negative.
Of the 2,838 casual contacts of the outbreak, 2,462 have tested negative thus far, with 6,119 people tested on Saturday.
‘These are high numbers, which shows that people are heeding the advice to get themselves tested,’ Mr Cook said.
‘We are now doing day-five tests for all the close contacts, so we will see those results start to flow through over the next few days as well.’
The health minister said positive Covid-19 results were found in wastewater testing at two stations, but were expected given the location of positive cases.
Health Minister Roger Cook also announced 398 close contacts linked to the northern suburbs outbreak had tested negative, with 6,119 residents tested for Covid-19 on Saturday
Mr McGowan released more than two million West Australians from lockdown on Saturday, after the state recorded no new local cases of the virus
He reassured residents wastewater testing in the Alkimos and Beenyup catchments were occurring daily.
Other metropolitan plants would be tested three times a week from Monday.
Mr McGowan released more than two million Western Australians from lockdown on Saturday, after the state recorded no new local cases of the virus.
The northern suburbs outbreak has been traced to a 51-year-old physiotherapist who recently returned to WA from NSW, where she contracted the Delta variant.
The six people that contracted coronavirus in the area remain at home in isolation, while four are returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine.
Temporary step-down restrictions including limits on gatherings and venue capacities have been introduced in Perth and the Peel regions.
As part of the interim restrictions, residents in these areas are able to travel to other parts of WA but must avoid hospitality, entertainment, and recreation venues.
They can however visit hospitality or retail outlets for takeaway.
The six people that contracted coronavirus in the northern suburbs remain at home in isolation, while four are returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine
Any travellers who have been in Perth or the Peel regions since June 27 were told to continue wearing a mask except when at home, during vigorous exercise, or travelling in a private vehicle with members from their household.
Perth and Peel residents may only have 10 visitors per household, 20 people for private outdoor gatherings, and a four square metre capacity rule and 20 patron limit for restaurants, bars and cafés for seated service only.
Weddings and funerals may proceed with a maximum of 20 guests, with professional and outdoor sports permitted without spectators.
Indoor fitness classes are not permitted over the three day restrictions period, along with any visitors to hospitals or aged or disability care facilities, except under exceptional circumstances.
Following the interim three days, Mr McGowan said restrictions would be further eased, taking effect on July 6 and ending on July 12, depending on health advice.
These restrictions would see residents no longer have to wear masks outdoors, a 30 person limit on household visitors and a 150 person limit on outdoor gatherings.
Temporary step-down restrictions including limits on gatherings and venue capacities have been introduced in Perth and the Peel regions set to be eased on July 6
Eased restrictions – to begin on July 12 – would see residents no longer have to wear masks outdoors, a 30 person limit on household visitors and a 150 person limit on outdoor gatherings
A two square metre capacity rule and 150 patron limit will apply to most venues, including weddings and funerals with indoor and outdoor community sport to resume with spectators.
Patients in hospital, or people in aged care or a disability facility can have four personal visitors per day, with masks to remain mandatory for staff and visitors.
Major stadiums, including Optus Stadium, RAC Arena and HBF Park will be able to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
‘We intend for these subsequent transitional restrictions to be in place for just six days, from Tuesday through Sunday to take us through the full 14 day incubation period’, the premier said.
‘It’s a quick, safe and sensible approach to keep our State safe, and get us back to the incredible freedoms that we’ve enjoyed for most of the last year.’