The Government has taken advice from health experts and initiated a five-day lockdown from 31 January in response to a quarantine worker receiving a positive COVID-19 test.
The lockdown affects the Perth metropolitan area, Peel and the South-West regions and has been introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Under lockdown rules working people will be required to stay at home unless they need to work because they can’t work from home or remotely; shop for essentials like groceries, medicine and necessary supplies; or for medical or health care needs.
They can also exercise with only one other person, limited to one hour per day in their neighbourhood, and masks must be worn.
Schools will be closed for the week with Term 1 postponed for the time being.
Non-residents currently in Perth, Peel and the South-West are required to remain there until the end of the restriction period.
Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars are to provide takeaway service only.
No weddings will be permitted; funerals will be limited to 10 mourners, and travel remains prohibited within remote Aboriginal communities.
Announcing these measures, Premier Mark McGowan urged people to be tested if they had any symptoms.
“If people have been to an exposure site, they must go and get tested,” Mr McGowan said.
“Western Australians have done so well for so long, but this week it is absolutely crucial that we stay home, maintain physical distancing and personal hygiene and get tested.”
Minister for Health, Roger Cook said the Government had acted decisively and swiftly given these circumstances.
“Expect disruption and delays. This is a highly unpredictable virus, but it is important to act calmly and take sensible precautions,” Mr Cook said.
