Here's Everything You Need to Know About Western Australia's COVID Lockdown

The state has recorded its first case of community transmission in 10 months.

On Sunday, it was announced that large parts of Western Australia would need to enter full lockdown from 6pm after a hotel security guard tested positive for coronavirus.

Authorities are now attempting to track down and isolate people who may have come into contact with the worker, who visited a number of locations across the Perth metropolitan region while infectious.

At this stage, the lockdown is set to stay in place until 6pm on Friday, 5 February. 

So, what will life look like for WA residents this week?

Who is going into lockdown? 

The five-day lockdown will apply to three of WA's nine regions, including the Perth metropolitan region, Peel (south of the city) and the south-west region. 

Basically, around 80 per cent of WA's population will be in lockdown throughout the week.

Can I leave my home? 

Well, not really.

You'll have to stay at home unless you're heading out for one of the four 'essential' reasons. 

These include shopping for essentials like food and medicine, accessing medical care and attending health clinics, exercising within your neighbourhood for a maximum of one hour per day, and work if you cannot do so from home.

Plus, if you're in the Perth, Peel or the south-west region, you're not allowed to leave the lockdown area unless you have to deliver or receive essential healthcare or emergency services.

You will not be able to visit anyone in a hospital, aged care home or disability facility during the lockdown either. 

perth is in lockdown so no school for a week for meee

— charms (@chzrms) February 1, 2021

What are the limits on public gatherings?

According to the WA government website, no visitors will be allowed in homes. 

The only exception is for caring reasons, including delivering groceries or helping someone take their prescribed medication.

On top of that, you can also care for a child of an essential worker, and you are allowed to visit others people's homes in the event of an emergency.

Funerals will be limited to 10 people, while weddings must be cancelled or postponed until after the lockdown ends.  

Do I need to wear a mask? 

Yeah, you do.

Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your home. This includes at workplaces if you're an essential worker, on public transport and while exercising for the allocated one hour per day. 

People with hearing impairments will be able to remove their masks if necessary, to communicate. 

In saying that, children under 12 years of age do not need to wear face masks. Additionally, you won't have to wear a face covering if it causes a risk to your health and safety, or if you're the sole occupant in a car. Plus, a mask will not be necessary in an emergency situation.

What businesses are closed? 

Similarly to other state lockdowns, restaurants and cafes are limited to takeaway services. Venues such as pubs, bars and clubs must close their doors.

Other venues like gyms and indoor sporting venues, cinemas, entertainment venues and casinos, beauty therapy services and libraries will also close for the time being. Religious venues will also shut during the lockdown. 

Panic buying after the Perth/Peel/SW lockdown was announced has even prompted lil old Lake Grace to introduce toilet paper sale limits & a buyer register 🧻🦠 pic.twitter.com/QdXL4JTAJT

— Caitlyn Rintoul (@caitlynrintoul) February 1, 2021

Okay, so what's happening with schools? 

Schools will have to remain closed, so it looks like students are in for an extra week of summer holidays. At this stage, remote learning has not been implemented, but we'll be sure to keep you updated.

Universities and TAFEs have also closed their doors for the lockdown period.

WA Premier Mark McGowan announced in a press conference today that no new COVID-19 cases had been confirmed overnight.

Header Image: Matt Jelonek / Stringer / Getty Images News via Getty Images