Omicron fears as WA records four new cases
WA has recorded four new COVID-19 cases, with the double-dose vaccination rate nearing 87 per cent. Photo: Getty
A person who was probably infected with the Omicron variant while in the community is among four new local COVID-19 cases in Western Australia.
The person, identified as Case 1244, had close contact with a confirmed Omicron case who recently returned from Tasmania.
They subsequently spent several days in the community in Perth.
The other three cases include a truck driver who arrived from South Australia and two close contacts of a previous truck driver infection. All are in quarantine.
A number of new exposure sites have been added to the HealthyWA website, including supermarkets and pharmacies in Perth’s southern suburbs.
Testing clinics will also have their operating hours extended.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson on Tuesday said genomic sequencing was expected to confirm Case 1244 was infected with the Omicron strain.
“There’s a strong possibility there’s been community spread of Omicron,” she told reporters.
“This is just part and parcel of managing a really aggressive strain of this virus.”
Ms Sanderson said Case 1244 had travelled to the airport on January 2 to pick up a family member who had returned from Tasmania.
She said the infected person had worn a face mask at the airport and followed all other rules.
The state government on Tuesday launched its new ServiceWA app, integrating proof of vaccination records, the SafeWA QR system and the G2G travel pass.
It comes as the government prepares to ramp up restrictions for the unvaccinated ahead of the February 5 border reopening.
Details are expected to be confirmed later this week but those who refuse to get vaccinated face being locked out of pubs, restaurants, cafes and gyms.
“There will be significant limits on the things you can do,” Ms Sanderson said.
Almost 94 per cent of West Australians aged 12 and over have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while the double-dose vaccination rate is nearing 87 per cent.
– AAP