Perth Coronavirus Update: 140 Total Cases, New Clinics To Open, Hospitality Shut Down, Schools Remain Open

Perth Coronavirus Update: 140 Total Cases, New Clinics To Open, Hospitality Shut Down, Schools Remain Open

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Mark McGowan addressed the media this morning with the latest Perth coronavirus update.

This morning Premier Mark McGowan Health Minister Roger Cook, Education Minister Sue Ellery, Commissioner of Police Chris Dawson and Chief Health Officer Andrew Robertson addressed the media with the latest Perth coronavirus update.

Key talking points from the update:

  • 20 new cases confirmed in the Perth metro area taking state total to 140 confirmed cases
  • WA pubs, clubs, restaurants, gyms etc to close down as announced by Scott Morrison last night
  • Schools are to remain open until the end of the school term
  • Magnifica cruise ship asked for permission to dock in WA
  • New Perth coronavirus clinics are top open

WA’s total now at 140

Today it was confirmed another 20 new cases of coronavirus in the Perth metro area.

Roger Cook reported of the 20 new cases 6 are from the cruise ship Ruby Princess, that is passengers that returned to Western Australia via Sydney.

Mr Cook also confirmed the status of current patients in hospital “we currently have 12 patients in hospital – three in Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, three in Royal Perth and four in Fiona Stanley Hospital and two in Midland.”

“Of those patients, one is in critical condition at the Charles and still have one critical in Midland hospital.”

The total for Western Australia now stands at 140 when on the 18th of March WA had only 35 cases resulting in 105 new cases in 5 days – a 300% increase.

Stage one shutdown

As announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison last night – Australia has begun to shut down with bars, pubs, clubs, gyms and restaurants forced to close doors from midday today.

Mr McGowan, of course, has confirmed that WA will be taking the stance, however this was done with a heavy heart.

“This is regrettable and very, very sad.

I feel terrible. I feel terrible about this. Coming to this decision with the prime minister and other state leaders was not something I ever wanted to be doing. But unfortunately, it’s necessary to protect us all if we don’t go down this path.”

Read more: Perth’s Takeaway Evolution: New Perth Food Delivery & Takeaway Options

Schools will remain open

Despite what seems unpopular opinion, WA schools will remain open until the end of the school term in 3 weeks.

Mr McGowan states “This is based on the best of medical advice. I’ve always said the closing schools is a last resort, but I understand many parents are concerned and want to keep their children home.”

The government will relax the law on ensuring parents send their kids to school providing parents with choice.

“If parents decide not to send their kids to school, we will not enforce a law that requires you to do so. But I stress it. Parents do decide to keep their children home. Parents must abide by all other laws. And that includes all news, social distances, rules such as social distancing” Mr McGowan states.

Magnifica cruise ship request permission to dock in WA

A cruise ship carrying more than 250 passengers with reported have reported upper respiratory illnesses. With passengers from overseas Germany, France and Italy.

Mr McGowan knows the risk associated with allowing the cruise ship to dock in Fremantle and has advised the public that actions are being taken to keep WA safe.

“I contacted the prime minister and have spoken to the Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton, to explain that my priority is to protect West Australians. I will not allow what happened in Sydney to happen here. We will not allow our passengers or crew to wander the streets.”

New coronavirus clinics to open in Perth

Mr Cook has confirmed Perth will be opening new coronavirus clinics in the coming days.

“I can confirm that the Armadale Clinic is open from this morning and further clinics will be open in Rockingham on Tuesday and in Midland and Joondalup on Wednesday.”

“Clinical staff will conduct tests, provide information and refer people for appropriate treatment as required.”

More to come.

Australia reaches 1,600 confirmed coronavirus cases

Source: worldometers.info/coronavirus

More on SoPerth.com.au:

All the latest Perth coronavirus news.

Watch: Perth Coronavirus update 23/3

Premier Mark McGowan, Health Minister Roger Cook, Education Minister Sue Ellery, Commissioner of Police Chris Dawson and Chief Health Officer Andrew Robertson.

Latest COVID-19 update for WA

"WA SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN OPEN"#LIVE: Premier Mark McGowan, Health Minister Roger Cook, Education Minister Sue Ellery, Commissioner of Police Chris Dawson and Chief Health Officer Andrew Robertson with an update on COVID-19 in WA.DETAILS | https://ab.co/39bwIGj

Posted by ABC Perth on Sunday, 22 March 2020