WA close contact rules change, cases rise

Tara Cosoleto | March 9, 2022

Western Australia has relaxed COVID-19 isolation rules for workers in critical industries ahead of the expected Omicron peak.

From 12.01am on Thursday, asymptomatic close contacts working in critical industries will be able to return to work as long as they return daily negative rapid antigen tests and wear surgical masks while working.

Those workers must continue to isolate when not at work. If they develop symptoms, they will need to stay at home. 

WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said some of the critical industries included transport, freight, and logistics, emergency services, and schools.

Ms Sanderson also announced changes to the definition of a household close contact.

Those people will only be required to complete seven days in isolation so long as they return a negative day six PCR test. 

People who have had COVID-19 will be exempt from being identified as a close contact for eight weeks. 

In schools, asymptomatic students who have been identified as close contacts will be able to attend school as long as they have tested negative. 

The new rule will not apply to students who have a household member who has tested positive. 

Any student who is displaying symptoms will need to isolate. 

Ms Sanderson said the changes were important ahead of the state’s expected Omicron peak on March 14.

There are more than 15,000 active cases in Western Australia as the state posts 3594 new infections on Wednesday.  

Data from the state’s Health Department showed 67 people were in hospital, up from 48 patients on Tuesday.

There are no patients receiving intensive care across the state.

There are currently 15,750 active cases in WA, with 14,230 in the metropolitan area, 337 in the South West, and 164 in the Pilbara. 

Of the 3594 new infections, 1758 were confirmed via PCR test and 1836 were from self-reported rapid antigen tests.

Premier Mark McGowan is hopeful the state’s strict level two public health restrictions would be removed at the end of the month. 

“Obviously we haven’t been through the full horror that other states have with COVID,” he said.

“We’ve currently got growing case numbers and we have Omicron in the community, but we want to get through this as quickly as we can. 

“I’m very hopeful that by the end of March, we’ll be out of these restrictions.”