The Perth metropolitan area and Peel region are currently in a minimum four-day lockdown aimed at limiting any spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Premier, Mark McGowan said the lockdown had been introduced on the best of public health advice due to a fast-evolving situation following a third COVID-19 positive case.
“The first positive case is now confirmed to have the highly infectious Delta strain,” Mr McGowan said.
Under lockdown rules, people will be required to stay at home unless they need to work because it is not possible to work from home; to purchase or provide essentials; attend medical or healthcare needs; and exercise with a maximum of two adults from the same household.
“We now know we are dealing with the highly infectious and dangerous Delta strain, which is a new beast that has entered WA,” Mr McGowan said.
“Escalating to an immediate lockdown will help us break the circuit and give contact tracers an opportunity to track and trace so we can get on top of this situation sooner.”
He acknowledged lockdowns were frustrating, but they were a necessary response to the threat.
“I am asking everyone to please do the right thing here and follow the health advice and instructions we are putting in place,” Mr McGowan said.
“The developments with the additional case are disappointing, but we can take comfort in the fact we have acted quickly and always followed a careful and cautious approach, which has worked.”
Minister for Health, Roger Cook said the next few days would be crucial.
“If you leave your home, use the SafeWA app or check in using contact registers — this is the key to solving the puzzle of finding the close and casual contacts of positive cases,” Mr Cook said.
“Our contact tracing team needs this crucial information so it can act fast and efficiently.”
The latest lockdown information and updates can be accessed at this PS News link.
