12 exposure sites added as more mystery COVID-19 cases prompt Premier warning
Seven new local COVID-19 cases were recorded in WA overnight, the source of four of them unknown, prompting Premier Mark McGowan to urge people to get tested and wear masks at all Australia Day events.
Three of the local cases are contacts of previously reported ones, all who were infectious in the community.
The other four have no known links to the Omicron-driven Cockburn cluster or the Delta cluster linked to a French backpacker.
“Public health are now potentially managing multiple different clusters in addition to the Cockburn cluster,” he said at a press conference on Friday afternoon.
“There is potentially a missing link out there. Please come forward and get tested if you feel unwell… if you have symptoms… if you have been to exposure sites.”
The mystery cases led the government to impose new rules for Australia Day events, with masks required inside and outside for public events across Perth, Peel, and the South West.
Twelve new exposure sites in Booragoon, Melville, Munster, Spearwood, Willagee and Kardinya were added to the list, as well as several in Perth, one at IKEA in Innaloo and another in Armadale.
Mr McGowan said it “not good enough” only 4222 people got tested yesterday.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said it was important testing rates were high, given the four cases could potentially be infected with the Omicron variant.
The Premier last night announced WA’s planned February 5 reopening was delayed indefinitely due to rising concern over the Omicron variant interstate and to protect the state’s robust economy.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief executive Chris Rodwell earlier told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings the state’s business industry was now back to square one.
“We now have to think through, ‘what do we do next’ … just talk to some of the tourism and events businesses, and in the hospitality sector, particularly CBD hotels, our international education sector,” he said.
Tap PLAY below to hear his full chat with Liam.