·Western Australians urged to get vaccinated, including third doses as soon as eligible
The Perth and Peel regions will continue with targeted public health and social measures for seven more days, to allow for COVID-safe holiday period activities to proceed.
Following four days of public health and social measures and nine local COVID-19 cases in addition to case 1133 detected so far, linked to the Perth Mess Hall outbreak, the acting Chief Health Officer has advised Perth and Peel will need to continue public health and social measures to keep WA safe.
The following public health and social measures will continue from 6am Tuesday morning, December 28 until 6am Tuesday morning, January 4 (pending the latest health advice):
- · Masks are mandatory for indoor public venues, including in the workplace and on public transport. Exemptions apply including when undertaking vigorous exercise, for medical reasons and primary school aged children or younger. People should use common sense and take a mask with them whenever they leave home;
- · Mask wearing is recommended for large outdoor public events, when you cannot physically distance;
- · Anyone who has been in Perth and Peel since December 16 and enters another regional area is required to wear a mask as per requirements in Perth-Peel;
- · Seated food and beverage consumption only for all licensed venues and events;
- · Music festivals and large high-risk events remain cancelled, dancing (except for weddings) is banned and nightclubs remained closed; and
- · Travel to remote Aboriginal communities remain restricted.
In addition to the public health and social measures, proof of vaccination will also be required at the Perth Cup 2022 and masks are mandated in all indoor and outdoor areas at the event.
There are a few ways people can show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination, both in a digital and paper-based form along with approved identification.
Visit wa.gov.au to see information on getting proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.
The State Government is developing a mobile app that is safe, secure and convenient. The app will be available in early 2022 and more information will be provided soon.
Everyone in the community is required to play their part to keep WA safe.
Anyone who has been to an exposure site that requires a test, or if they begin to feel unwell – must get tested immediately and follow the isolation instructions as per the site information.
Visit the exposure list online at https://www.wa.gov.au/…/covid-19-coronavirus-locations
and check it regularly, as more sites continue to be added in the days ahead.
Getting tested is quick, easy and free and more information is available at www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/covidclinics to find your nearest clinic, and this will help keep your fellow Western Australians safe.
It is vital that all Western Australians ensure they are registering their contact details at businesses and venues where contact registers are mandatory.
The recent cases of COVID detected in Perth show how necessary it is for people to continue to check-in when they visit businesses and venues.
The SafeWA app is an efficient and safe way to assist contact tracing if it is required.
For more information on transitional public health measures, visit https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Western Australians have done so well over the past few days however we are not out of the woods yet.
“We all need to step up our COVID safe practises and even more so during this holiday period. There is no time for complacency.
“Our contact tracers are working around the clock and as we identify new exposure sites it is critical that anyone who has been to exposure site must adhere to testing requirements.
“These public health and social measures are needed while we crush this outbreak. These measures will help keep further restrictions off during this period so everyone can be safe and continue their holiday activities.
“This will be disruptive for some people with their plans over this break however there is no perfect solution and throughout this pandemic nothing has been perfect.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“I’d like to thank all those who got tested over the Christmas period and the staff who also gave up time with their families to help keep us safe.
“Over the festive period many contact tracers have been working and thousands of tests have been carried out by pathologists and staff working our testing clinics.
“The next few days will be crucial and anyone who has been to an exposure site and is yet to get tested, please do so.
“If you are not required to get tested there are still important things you can do to help reduce the spread of the virus and protect those in our community who are most vulnerable.
“Keep up the COVID safe practises, follow the health directions, get vaccinated if you haven’t already or get your third dose if you are due, and keep checking in using the SafeWA app.”
