The Perth metropolitan area and the Peel and South West regions of the Australian state are now under five days “full lockdown, after a hotel security guard, a man in his twenties, tested positive for coronavirus. As the man had worked two 12-hour shifts on January 26 and 27, it was possible he had contracted the UK strain. All close contacts of the man are required to quarantine for 14 days.Those regions have a combined population of more than 2 million people. Residents are only able to leave their homes for essential shopping, medical needs, exercise, and for jobs that cannot be done at home or remotely. Schools, most businesses, entertainment venues and places of worship are all closed, and restaurants restricted to takeaway only.
“Western Australians have done so well for so long but this week it is absolutely crucial that we stay home, maintain physical distancing and personal hygiene and get tested if you have symptoms,” Premier Mark McGowan said. With a population of around 2.76 million, Western Australia has recorded 902 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, though it currently only has 12 active cases, according to the state’s health department.
