COVID-19 WA: Mark McGowan announces one new virus case on day one of mask restrictions

Charlotte Elton and Natalie RichardsThe West Australian
CommentsComments
VideoWA Health Minister Roger Cook has stressed the next 24 to 48 hours are crucial to determine if Perth will avoid a lockdown

A new case of COVID-19 has been recorded on day one of Perth and Peel’s mask restrictions, with the State Government deeming the next 24 to 48 hours crucial if WA is to avoid lockdown.

Premier Mark McGowan announced the new local case, to be known as case 1023, is a 32-year-old woman who attended the Mobius Health and Performance Gym in Joondalup on Tuesday.

“From what we can ascertain, she had only minimal contact with case 1022,” he said.

“Understandably, this is a concerning development.”

Mr McGowan said contact tracers were collecting and getting in touch with the woman’s contacts.

Read more...

Already 1032 casual contacts of the woman have been identified and and five of them have tested negative to the virus. The woman has 114 close contacts, who are in quarantine. Of those, 27 have returned negative tests.

Your user agent does not support frames or is currently configured not to display frames. This frame is attempting to link to https://omny.fm/shows/the-west-live/mcgowans-big-but-slams-gladys-over-covid/embed

Mr McGowan said it was encouraging that 962 of the casual contacts had been found through the SafeWA app.

“This underlines the importance of every West Australian diligently using the app or signing the register when going into a venue please keep using SafeWA. It is one of the most important tools we have to help keep on top of this deadly virus,” he said.

New venues have been added to the exposure list, including the gym she attended, Craigie Leisure Centre, Mullaloo IGA and a dog grooming business.

Our next steps will be determined by testing numbers

Premier Mark McGowan

Case 1022 — a physiotherapist — had visited multiple schools in our northern suburbs, shopping centres, a gym and IKEA over three days last week when it is feared she may have been infectious.

The woman’s husband tested negative yesterday. Mask-wearing and capacity restrictions will continue for “at least” three days.

Mr McGowan said 177 close contacts were also related to the Northern Territory mine site outbreak. Of those, 149 have tested negative.

The Premier stopped short of putting WA into a snap lockdown but warned there was still a way to go before it was known whether the State had dodged further community spread.

“We won't be in the clear until we have all contacts returned negative results,” he said.

“Our next steps will be determined by testing numbers, whether that is finding if the virus is lurking in the community or having the confidence to ease restrictions on. Getting tested is one of the best things you can do for your fellow West Australians.”

Camera Icon‘Get vaccinated’: Health Minister Roger Cook. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

Health Minister Roger Cook said the impact of contract tracing and increased testing would be apparent within the next 24 to 48 hours and indicate whether WA was likely to head into lockdown.

But he confirmed WA would be unlikely to lockdown if the source of the case could be traced and insisted authorities would treat every incident on a “case by case basis”.

He said West Australians could help by getting their vaccinations booked.

“If you are eligible to get vaccinated, roll up for WA now. The only way we can get away from lockdowns, although this is not a lockdown, and we can ease up on travellers is if we all get vaccinated, it's an extremely important element,” Mr Cook said.

The new case comes despite Mr McGowan going on radio this morning to say there had been no new cases identified overnight.

Speaking on 6PR this morning, he warned WA was not out of the wood and there was always a chance of further cases.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails