Staff and visitors will continue to be required to stay away from public hospitals for seven days after testing positive for COVID-19 or if they are a close contact to protect vulnerable patients, as the State transitions out of mandatory isolation.
As agreed and supported at National Cabinet, mandatory isolation will cease from 12.01am, October 14, including in Western Australia. The public is still encouraged to stay at home if unwell, until such time as any symptoms abate.
However, public hospital employees and visitors will still be required to avoid these high risk facilities for a period of seven days after returning a positive COVID-19 test or if they are a close contact under public health protocols for WA public hospitals as recommended by Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson.
These requirements will be part of WA health policies for hospitals and will help to protect especially vulnerable people, such as oncology patients and the immunocompromised, from COVID-19.
Private hospitals, aged and disability care facilities are also expected to adopt similar safeguards for their residents.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“From tomorrow, mandatory isolation will cease in Western Australia, in line with all other States and Territories.
“It remains important that we protect our most vulnerable citizens from COVID-19, which is why hospital workers and visitors will continue to be required to stay away from hospitals for seven days if they test positive or are a close contact.
“I would encourage the wider community to continue to take care and stay home if they’re unwell and ensure they’re clear of symptoms before heading into the community.
“I’d like to thank all of our dedicated healthcare workers for their outstanding efforts throughout the pandemic and for the personal sacrifices they have made. I’d also like to thank hospital visitors for their continued co-operation and patience.”
