Coronavirus live updates: WA to keep borders closed in response to Vic outbreak

Western Australia will ease even more restrictions this weekend but its borders will be kept firmly shut in response to Victoria's coronavirus outbreak.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has announced the state would be moving into phase four of easing coronavirus restrictions this weekend.

 

 

The changes include relaxing  gathering limits, removing the requirement for be seated for service at food businesses and licensed premises and permitting more events.

Mr McGowan also revealed his government had been planning to reopen the borders as of August 8 but the virus outbreak in Victoria had delayed that decision.

He said it would be "irresponsible" of him to earmark that as the date for opening borders.

Victoria's health minister Jenny Mikakos said the state has recorded 16 new cases in the last 24 hours – with 12 of them spread through community transmission. She said a Black Lives Matter protester and a toddler at a childcare centre have been diagnosed.

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"Of the 16 new cases, six are linked to known outbreaks, four are detected in hotel quarantine, five have been detected through routine testing, and one is under investigation," she said.

"There are also 222 cases believed to be related to community transmission, and that is an increase of 12 since yesterday. So we have 125 of cases in Victoria."

Follow our live coverage below.

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