Western Australia has recorded two new cases of COVID-19 in the community overnight, both linked to the Cockburn cluster, and a further three new local cases have been recorded so far today.
As a result, mandatory mask wearing in all indoor public settings will come into effect for the Perth and Peel regions at 6pm tonight (January 16).
Anyone who has been in the Perth or Peel region from January 6 is also required to wear a mask indoors when travelling to another regional area.
All measures will be reviewed regularly and the Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor the serious situation and provide more ongoing advice.
Visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au or www.wa.gov.au for further information.
The Department of Health is working through the 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.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“What we are seeing with the Cockburn cluster is increasingly concerning.
“This is particularly the case given what we are witnessing in the eastern states where the rapid spread of Omicron is causing havoc and heartbreak.
“That is why we are raising the alarm and urging anyone who has been to any of the exposure sites to get tested immediately.
“The best way to stop the spread of Omicron is to wear a mask, which is why masks will be mandatory for all public indoor settings from 6pm this evening.
“I urge all Western Australians to do the right thing, to protect yourselves, your loved ones and the wider community.
“We have done it before and it is vital we now do it again.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“We now have Omicron in our community and we can’t afford to be complacent.
“Please, if you are feeling unwell, no matter where you are in our state, come forward for testing.
“I urge all West Australians to check the exposure sites regularly and get tested if you visited one of these places.
“Wear your mask indoors if you are in Perth and Peel, check-in using ServiceWA, and get vaccinated, including your third dose, if you haven’t already to protect not only yourself but others in our community from the virus.”
