WA Health Minister Roger Cook provides the latest Perth coronavirus update.
At the latest media conference today Roger Cook has confirmed a further 14 new WA cases of COVID-19 confirmed overnight, bringing the State’s total to 495 in the latest Perth coronavirus update.
The ages of the new cases range from 29-73.
Four of the new cases are related to overseas travel, three are from close contact, and one is still under investigation.
Ten of the cases are from the metropolitan area, one from the Wheatbelt, one is from the Goldfields and two are from the Kimberley.
There are currently 34 people in hospital in WA, with 15 of these individuals in intensive care.
Of the total number of infections in the state, 56 are from regional areas.
While Western Australia approaches 500 confirmed cases, Australia has reached over 6,000 confirmed cases – however, as seen from the graph below Australia is beginning to flatten the curve in a positive sign for the country.
Australia confirmed cases of COVID-19
The next few days and weeks will be extremely important in WA, as we will begin to see the effects of further community testing being widened from today.
Read more: Perth expands community testing for COVID-19
New mental health campaign
A new mental health campaign has been launched today to help Western Australians manage their wellbeing through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Protecting Western Australians is always our priority. This doesn’t just mean physical health – but their mental health too and we recognise that there is continuing community concern in relation to COVID-19 and the related mental health impacts. Mr Cook said.
The McGowan Government has recognised that people will be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and stress during this unprecedented time, the $455,000 campaign aims to help people manage these feelings while linking them into support services.
Think Mental Health’s Be Positive. Be Connected. Be Active. campaign focuses on self-care and wellbeing strategies. It provides ways people can support each other and where they can get further help, should they need it.
“My hope is that everyone will be able to find ways to be positive, connected and active during this time.” said Mr Cook.
The campaign will run on TV, digital, and social media as well as in GP surgeries and other targeted settings over the next four months.
Visit thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au for more information or to access resources.
Watch: Health Minister Roger Cook with a coronavirus update