Two regions in the northern suburbs of Perth are set to close and go into lockdowns from midnight after WA Premier Mark McGowan has announced one more case of coronavirus in the province.
Website of the state health department crashed overnight as residents rushed to find exposed areas, frustrated and unable to sign in.
The first case found during this cluster was of 51-year-old physiotherapist in Perth who was diagnosed with Delta Covid-19 strain after visiting a Bondi cafe.
New COVID Case
Someone else had then gotten infected with the virus after going to the same gym as the first case. Now, a 30-year-old man has been found guilty after a “fleeting contact” case with the first case in the Indian Ocean Brewery in the northern regions.
“They were both having dinner. How far away they were – if someone walked past the other, when they were going to pay their bill – I don’t have that detail,” Mr McGowan said.
“I do know they weren’t friends, they weren’t sitting at the same table. It was a very fleeting contact. That says to us that this is a very contagious virus and as we’ve seen in New South Wales, once it gets a hold, it’s very, very difficult to contain.”
The man’s colleague has so far been tested and returned negative results.
Circuit Breaker Lockdown
The “circuit-breaker” detention will be active in the Perth and Peel regions for at least four days, “Mr McGowan said.
“We will continue to review this situation based on test and infection numbers and information from our data collection teams and provide updates wherever and whenever possible.
“We hope that this will be a regional circuit, which will give our inspectors and stakeholders the opportunity to lay down a picture of how widespread this recent outbreak is.”
Mr McGowan said he had seen what Delta’s potential damage is and what it could do in Sydney and that “we don’t know if there’s further cases out there”.
The New Restrictions
Citizens will only be allowed out of the house for four reasons
• for the purpose of work only if you are an important employee or service provider
• for purchase of essential goods including food, groceries, medicine or necessities within 5km of home or the nearest place
• Exercise one hour a day within 5 kilometers from home
• For medical or health care purposes, including care for those at risk or immunization
Masks Are Mandatory
Masks mandate will be imposed in Perth and Peel. The only exception of not wearing mask will be:
• While at home
• During strenuous exercise
• While in the car with your family members
Other Rules
– pSchools and childcare centres remain open, with masks required except for primary school children or while teaching.
• Private meetings are not allowed, home guests are only allowed for essential services, critical care
– Hospitality venues are restricted to takeaway only
• Visits to the elderly caregivers / disability care is not permitted without special reasons
