WA records five new cases of Covid-19, with a security guard confirmed as having Omicron

Western Australia has recorded its first case of the Omicron variant, while five new local Covid infections were also reported.

Western Australia has recorded its first case of Omicron in the community after five new local cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on Wednesday.

Acting Premier Roger Cook revealed the Omicron case came from a vaccinated security guard working at the Pan Pacific hotel quarantine facility who tested positive to the virus over the weekend.

Genomic sequencing had shown he was infected with the Omicron variant.

“While this is serious, in encouraging news, it does not appear that there has been any further spread,” Mr Cook said.

The first local detection of the strain in WA, with the man testing positive on Sunday after a routine swab.

Fifteen close contacts have been identified, with 14 negative and one test pending.

Eight casual contacts have also been identified, with seven negative results and one test pending.

“Investigations are still ongoing into how the infection occurred,” Mr Cook said.

Deputy Premier Roger Cook provided the update on Wednesday. Picture: Colin Murty/The Australian

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson told reporters on Monday there was no suggestion of a PPE breach.

Of the five new cases recorded on Wednesday, one was not linked to the backpacker outbreak.

Mr Cook told reporters three cases were related to the backpacker cluster, with two of them considered to have been infectious while in the community.

It also includes one case that was announced late on Tuesday, linked to the two exposure sites in the city at The Lucky Shag and The Aviary bars.

One of the other local cases is not part of the backpacker cluster, but rather a hotel quarantine worker at the Hyatt Hotel.

“An investigation is underway into this case,” Mr Cook said on Wednesday.

“We can confirm this case was picked up on a routine daily swab and therefore we expect the number of exposure sites to grow, but to be limited.

“Any close contacts of the security guard are being tested urgently.”

The fifth local case is a household contact of a recent interstate arrival, who is quarantining at home and was previously announced.

There are also seven cases related to interstate travellers, two cases related to returned overseas travellers and two cases related to aircrew — with all of them in quarantine.

This is our WA COVID-19 update for Wednesday, 5 January 2022.

For official information on COVID-19 in WA, visit https://t.co/qA5jY6mVkvhttps://t.co/WPwP72DlJEpic.twitter.com/ogOOaWz9MC

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) January 5, 2022

“While investigations into these cases are continuing, we should be prepared for new exposure sites to start appearing soon,” Mr Cook said.

Restrictions were reintroduced in the Perth and Peel regions just before Christmas after a French backpacker from Queensland spread the Delta strain of Covid-19.

Authorities have now identified 787 close contacts in total related to the backpacker cluster, with 12 yet to be tested.

So far, 775 of the close contacts have produced a negative result.

There are also 1464 casual contacts, with 1245 testing negative so far and 214 people yet to be tested.

The deputy premier also announced that from 12.01am on Saturday the ACT and Tasmania would be elevated to “extreme risk” jurisdictions under WA’s tough border measures.

It means people in every jurisdiction — except the Northern Territory, which remains a “medium risk” — will be effectively shut out of WA.

Exemptions for approved travellers will be restricted to commonwealth and state officials, members of parliament, diplomats, and specialist or extraordinary circumstances.

Approved travellers under the “high risk” category are urged to return home immediately.

Premier Mark McGowan has had his booster shot. Picture: Colin Murty/The Australian

A ban on rapid antigen tests in WA will also be lifted next week, with the guidelines on their use being finalised.

Long queues were forming at state-run vaccine centres on Wednesday, which meant some people without a booking were likely to be turned away.

Vaccine Commander Chris Dawson said people should make bookings.

The vaccine is also available at GP clinics and pharmacies, he added.

Meanwhile, the list of exposure sites has grown further to include several new locations including a regional pub, a Woolworths store and a Japanese eatery.

The new potential exposure sites have been identified in Perth, West Perth, Mount Lawley, Greenwood and Broome.

“These sites all relate to cases which have been previously announced,” Premier Mark McGowan said in a Facebook post.

“The site in Broome is related to a case that worked offshore and then flew home to Queensland where he subsequently tested positive.

“These sites are considered low risk. Monitor for symptoms unless directly advised otherwise by the Department of Health. If symptoms develop, get tested and isolate.”

The full list of exposure sites can be found here.

Originally published as WA records five new cases of Covid-19, with a security guard confirmed as having Omicron