WA coronavirus update from Premier Mark McGowan.
Mark McGowan has provided the latest update for Perth and WA’s coronavirus pandemic.
Key talking points
- 17 new cases confirmed
- Stage 3 restrictions from the Federal Government to be enforced in WA for a minimum one month
- Border closures to be in place for one month: If you aren’t a WA resident – don’t come we don’t want you here
- Police drones to be engaged
- Lotterywest $159 million Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund
Latest confirmed cases in WA
Overnight there were 17 confirmed new cases of the coronavirus in WA.
While Mr McGowan didn’t go into specifics about the new cases as Mr Cook will be addressing the media separately he did confirm that this is a remarkable achievement and that the vast majority of the confirmed cases were linked to travel.
“This is a remarkable result, but we cannot be complacent.”
“But to put things into some perspective of the total confirmed cases in W.A. now 84% are directly linked to either cruise ship travel, overseas travel or interstate travel. “
More to come.
Stage 3 restrictions
As announced by PM Scott Morrison there has been changes to social gathering rules. When out in public only 2 people are allowed to gather (unless from the same household.)
Read more: Australia Coronavirus Update: Strict Public Gathering Changes, Coronavirus App & Stay Home Australia
Mr McGowan has confirmed that WA will enforce the new rules announced by the federal government and will be enforcing them from midnight tonight.
This includes individuals not to use playgrounds and outdoor gym equipment.
These restrictions and the border shutdown will be in place for a minimum of one month.
Mr McGowan also aligned with Mr Morrison with a plea for individuals to stay home unless in the following circumstances:
- Shopping for food and essentials
- Medical care
- Exercise (with a maximum of 2 people)
- Work and education if you can’t learn remotely
Police Drones
Welcome to 2020, a world where we now have Police Drones.
“Today, W.A. police will be launching drones capable of deploying to public areas to broadcast messages to large groups of people not adhering to mass gathering or social distancing rules.”
Mr McGowan also stated the drones will be highly visible, fitted with flashing lights and speakers similar to those on police vehicles and will be able toto deliver a message to up to a range of up to a kilometer from their launch.
Lotterywest Coronavirus Fund
Also announced today was a dedicated Lotterywest Coronavirus Fund with $159 million in relief funds.
The funds will be there to provide support to organisations that are helping people experiencing hardship.
Mr McGowan stated “an initial $59 million will be made available for crisis and emergency relief support for eligible, not for profit and community organisations. It will assist with costs related to increased demand for food, clothing, shelter and other critical needs. This funding will also provide urgent financial relief for not-for-profit sports, arts and community organizations experiencing hardship as a result of cancelled events.”
More to come.
Watch: WA coronavirus update from Premier Mark McGowan
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