Mask mandate introduced for South-West region from 6pm tonight

  • People in South-West urged to take immediate action – check for potential exposure sites and follow testing requirements
  • From 6pm masks required in all public indoor settings in the South-West region, the usual exemptions apply
  • Rule applies to anyone who has been in the South-West region since January 12
  • Measures introduced following new local exposure sites and based on health advice to limit any potential spread of Omicron
  • Everyone urged to check-in using SafeWA or ServiceWA, or complete contact registers
  • Western Australians urged to get vaccinated, including third doses, as soon as eligible
  • Based on the latest health advice, a mask mandate for all indoor public settings will be introduced for the South-West region at 6pm tonight, Monday January 17.

    The mask rule will also apply to anyone who has been in the South-West since January 12, when a positive COVID-19 case was infectious in the community, and has since travelled to another region.

    Masks must be worn in all indoor public settings, including in vulnerable settings like aged care facilities and hospitals – usual exemptions apply.

    This public health rule is in addition to the mask wearing mandate currently in place for Perth and Peel, which requires people who have been in Perth or Peel since January 6 to wear a mask in other regions.

    All measures will be reviewed regularly and the Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor the serious situation and provide more ongoing advice.

    The Department of Health is working through reported cases and is in the process of identifying close and casual contacts, and additional exposure sites.

    People are asked to check the exposure sites list regularly and monitor their health and get tested immediately, and self-quarantine, if they develop symptoms.

    If you have visited an exposure site during the times listed, you are required to follow the corresponding health advice issued for that location.

    Visit https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au or https://www.wa.gov.au for further information including exposure locations and testing sites. 

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “Based on the latest health advice, everyone in the South-West region will be required to wear a mask in all public indoor settings from 6pm tonight.

    “The mask mandate is being introduced in light of the increasing concerns around the spread of Omicron in the South-West community, with confirmation a previously reported positive COVID-19 case visited a number of locations in the South-West region.

    “I urge anyone who has been to an exposure site or is feeling unwell to go get tested immediately.

    “We need to get test numbers up to be sure we understand where Omicron is so we can take further action if we need to.”

    As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

    “I urge people to take this advice seriously. We know there is spread of Omicron in the metropolitan area and we need to do everything possible to limit it spreading further.

    “If you have been in Perth and Peel since January 6 but since travelled elsewhere, please remember the mask mandate still applies to you.

    “For people in the South-West region please remain vigilant, follow the mask rules and get tested if you have been to an exposure site or are unwell.

    “The State-run clinic in Bunbury will be open until 8pm today and tomorrow, and testing is available within the Busselton Hospital and Augusta Hospital. Please visit the HealthyWA website for more information.”

    Premier’s office – 6552 5000

    /Public Release. View in full here.