Covid cases spike in Western Australia as state reports 262 infections
Western Australia has reported a huge spike in Covid cases, marking the highest daily tally the state has recorded since the pandemic began.
WA News
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Western Australia has broken its daily Covid case record with 262 infections diagnosed in the past 24 hours.
Of these, 257 are local cases and five are travel-related.
The figure also included 11 self-reported positive RATs.
There are now 877 active cases across the state.
A total of 189 new cases were detected in the 24 hours leading up to Friday, the state’s previous record.
No one is in hospital with Covid in Western Australia.
The new figures came after Premier Mark McGowan announced on Friday that the state’s hard border would come down on March 3.
Media statement: COVID-19 update 19 February 2022 https://t.co/vH0rLDb4cc
— WA Health (@WAHealth) February 19, 2022
A raft of restrictions will also be introduced.
Mr McGowan told reporters that quarantine-free travel would be allowed for triple-dose vaccinated people aged 12 and over if eligible.
He said he could “not foresee” a reason for the date changing again.
Under the new rules, interstate travellers must declare their vaccination status through the G2G pass and take a rapid antigen test, which will be provided to them at the airport, within 12 hours.
A positive result must be reported to WA Health.
International arrivals must follow commonwealth rules, complete a G2G pass and take a RAT within 12 hours of arrival.
Unvaccinated returning Australians from overseas must complete seven days of hotel quarantine.
Mr McGowan said he had written to the Prime Minister to indicate those arrivals would be capped at 70 per week.
The Premier also noted on Friday some people would be feeling apprehensive, but said WA’s vaccination rate was high.
Based on current projections, WA will have a third-dose rate of 70 per cent.
Children aged five to 11 are expected to have a first-dose vaccination rate of 65 per cent.
“The virus is already here and we cannot stop its spread,” Mr McGowan said.
“March 3 will be a step forward for WA — a safe step forward, taken at the right time, in the right way for the right reasons.”
The Premier has also announced changes to Covid-19 restrictions.
Effective from 6am on February 21, indoor mask requirements will be extended statewide.
The government would also introduce so-called “level one measures” in regions where there was currently community transmission.
From February 21, the “mild” measures will apply in the Perth, Peel, South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Pilbara regions.
It includes the 2 sqm rule for hospitality and entertainment venues, cultural and fitness venues, hairdressers and beauty services and places of worship.
Theatres, cinemas and major stadiums can have a 75 per cent capacity.
Nightclubs must also follow the 2 sqm rule, but crowds will be capped at 500 patrons.
Crown must have seated service requirements on the gaming floor, in addition to the 2 sqm rule.
Home gatherings will be limited to 30 people, while private outdoor events will be capped at 200.
Hospitals, disability care and aged care will be limited to four visitors per day, with masks and vaccination mandatory.
Exemptions for compassionate reasons will apply.
People are not required to work from home, but Mr McGowan said businesses and office environments should take appropriate steps to ensure they remained Covid-safe.
Mr McGowan said “much harsher” level two measures might be enacted later if deemed necessary.
They may include masks for those in Year 3 and above, working from home for vulnerable people, RATs for visitors at residential aged care and disability facilities and home gatherings reduced to 10 people.
It may also include the 4 sqm rule indoors and 2 sqm outdoors for hospitality, fitness venues, indoor entertainment venues, cultural venues, places of worship, hairdressers and beauty services.
Originally published as Covid cases spike in Western Australia as state reports 262 infections
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