WA reinstates mask mandate after reporting two new local cases of COVID-19

As Western Australia prepares to reopen its borders on 5 February, mask mandates have been reimposed in Perth and Peel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 after the state reported two new local cases.

Western Australians are now required to wear a mask in all public indoor venues, on public transport (including taxis and ride share vehicles) and when visiting hospitals, disability and aged care facilities.

The state government also recommends people wear masks outdoors when physical distancing is not possible, and children of primary school age or younger and people with medical conditions are exempt to the mandate.

“We now know that there has been several cases of Omicron in the community infectious since 6 January,” said WA Premier Mike McGowan.

“I’m urging everyone in Perth and Peel to check for the latest exposure sites.”

Anyone who attended the following locations is required to immediately get tested for COVID-19 and to self-quarantine for 14 days from their last exposure:

• U Natural Spa Therapy (Applecross): between 7 to 13 January
• New U Massage (Mount Lawley): between 10:00am and 8:30pm on 10 January

From Monday 31 January, proof of vaccination for people aged 16 years and over will be required state-wide for:

• Visitors to public and private hospitals, and residential aged care facilities;
• All hospitality and food and licensed venues:
  • including restaurants, dine-in fast food, cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, taverns;
  • excluding food and non-alcoholic beverage takeaway, roadhouses, and service stations
• Bottle shops;
• Indoor entertainment venues, including play centres, gaming and gambling, theatres, concert halls, museums, cinemas and live music venues, including the Perth Convention Centre;
• Nightclubs;
• The Crown Perth complex;
• Major stadiums;
• Gyms, fitness studios and centres;
• Amusement Parks and the Zoo; and
• Music festivals and large events with more than 500 people, unless exempt.

“We now have Omicron in our community and we cannot afford to be complacent,” WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.

“As we attempt to limit the spread of Omicron in our community it is crucial that those who need to get tested do so immediately.

“We have fought off this virus in Western Australia so far, but we know that Omicron is the real game-changer.”

There are no capacity restrictions for venues and events.

There are currently 112 confirmed active cases in WA. Of these, 34 are in hotel quarantine and 78 are in self-quarantine.

Updated at 10.15am AEDT on 17 January 2022.