Western Australia records one new case of Covid-19 after outbreak as primary schools deep-cleaned
Western Australia has recorded one new case of Covid-19 via ‘minimal contact’ with a woman who caught the virus in Sydney, as three schools close for deep cleaning.
NewsWire
Don't miss out on the headlines from NewsWire. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Western Australia has recorded one new case of Covid-19 following an outbreak of the virus, as three schools remain shut for deep cleaning.
Premier Mark McGowan said a 32-year-old woman who had attended the Mobius Health and Performance gym in Joondalup had “only minimal contact” with case 1022 — a 51-year-old woman who caught the virus from the Lyfe Cafe in Bondi.
“Understandably, this is a concerning development,” Mr McGowan told reporters on Monday.
“WA Health are currently collecting and getting in touch with case 1023’s contacts.”
Regarding the first infected woman — a physiotherapist — Mr McGowan said 114 of her close contacts had been identified, tested and quarantined.
Of those, 27 had returned negative test results so far.
As of 11am this morning, The Department of Health has recorded one new local case of COVID-19 in WA. pic.twitter.com/eeS7a2yGzR
— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) June 28, 2021
Mr McGowan said 1036 of her casual contacts had also been identified, with five so far returning a negative test result.
“We expect more results to come through shortly, as well as additional close and casual contacts identified and contacted as our contact tracing teams do their essential work,” he said.
“Encouragingly, 962 of those casual contacts were identified through the Safe WA app.
“So please, keep using Safe WA — it is one of the most important tools we have to help keep on top of this deadly virus.”
Regarding the Northern Territory mine site outbreak, Mr McGowan said there were 177 close contacts still in Western Australia who worked at the mine site during the infectious period. So far, 149 had tested negative.
“It is essential that everyone remains vigilant,” Mr McGowan said.
More than 8000 tests were conducted on Sunday, and long queues continued at testing locations on Monday.
New locations have also been added to the exposure site list, including Craigie Leisure Centre, Mullaloo IGA, Mirror Park Toilets in Ocean Reef, and Le Shaggy Chic Shack in Ocean Reef.
The full list will be published online soon, including additional exposure times for the gym.
In a social media post, the Craigie Leisure Centre said the City of Joondalup had closed the facility for deep cleaning.
“At this stage, it is anticipated the facility will reopen at 5am on Thursday,” the post read.
“The health and safety of our Leisure Centre patrons and staff remains the City’s priority and the City will continue to be guided by the relevant health advice.”
Restrictions have been reimposed in the Perth and Peel regions for at least three days after the physiotherapist tested positive for Covid-19 and visited multiple schools while infectious.
The woman is believed to have contracted the highly contagious Delta strain of the virus.
Mr McGowan has not ruled out the possibility of a lockdown if the situation worsens.
The three schools that have been shut for deep cleaning are:
- Burbridge School due to exposure on June 22 from 11am to 1pm
- Koondoola Primary School due to exposure on June 22 from 11am to 1pm
- Connolly Primary School due to exposure on June 24 from 11.30am to 2pm
“Contact tracing is underway for high-risk, close and casual contacts,” the WA Health Department said.
At Connolly Primary School, the entire Year 5 class are considered close contacts.
They must get tested and quarantine for 14 days.
In a social media post, Burbridge School said it was anticipated the three schools would reopen on Tuesday.
“The temporary closure of these three schools is based on a health emergency, therefore the WA Department of Health, as lead agency, will keep the Department of Education up-to-date with health advice for managing the spread of Covid-19,” the post read.
“The Department of Health will also provide advice to the Director General of Education about when it is possible to re-open schools.”
New restrictions implemented over the weekend for the Perth and Peel regions include the requirement to wear masks, a 150-person capacity at venues and the 2 sqm rule is also back.
Western Australia also changed its border rules for some jurisdictions on Sunday night.
The Northern Territory, Queensland and the ACT have joined Victoria as “low-risk” jurisdictions.
It means travellers must self-quarantine for 14 days, and be tested for coronavirus within 48 hours of arriving and on day 11.
The hard border with NSW remains, but there is no change to the border arrangements with South Australia and Tasmania.
The physiotherapist returned a negative test result on Monday last week, but on Thursday she developed symptoms.
On Friday, she realised the Lyfe Cafe had joined the exposure site list and was tested, with the positive result returning on Saturday night.
Health Minister Roger Cook and Mr McGowan have both emphasised the woman, who had received her first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, did everything right.
Mr McGowan also said the “floodgates” should be opened to allow as many people as possible to get vaccinated.
Originally published as Western Australia records one new case of Covid-19 after outbreak as primary schools deep-cleaned
AFL racism scandal claims club boss
The toll of the drawn-out racism scandal involving Hawthorn and former staff has resulted in the resignation of the club’s chief executive.
Read more
‘Tortured’ dad confessed abuse, court hears
An accused vigilante killer told police a young dad “confessed” to sexually abusing children while being tortured, a jury has heard.
Read more