Western Australia has recorded zero new coronavirus cases and seven new recoveries. The state's total active cases has fallen to 36. Premier Mark McGowan has extended WA's State of Emergency by 14 days. TABs and national parks to reopen.
Mark McGowan has extended WA's State of Emergency by a further 14 days. Photo: Gabriel Oliveira
- Western Australia has recorded zero new coronavirus infections for the eighth time since February 21. The state's total remains at 551.
- There were seven new recoveries overnight, reducing WA's active cases to 36. There have been 507 recoveries in total.
- Premier Mark McGowan said half of the state’s active cases were from the Artania cruise ship or Australia’s eastern states.
- The premier has extended Western Australia’s State of Emergency by a further 14 days, which he expects will be renewed again. “This is a reminder of course that we’re not through what’s been occurring as of yet and everyone needs to continue listening to the advice, and be understanding and have patience,” Mr McGowan said.
- The premier also announced the government would expedite $2.4 billion in transport infrastructure projects as well as streamline the tender process for the state's smaller transport projects under $20 million, in a bid to help small- and medium-sized contractors stay viable during COVID-19.
- WA schools commenced Term 2 yesterday, with the state recording an overall attendance rate of 58.5 per cent across public schools. “A number of schools had very high levels of attendance over the course of yesterday and I suspect as time goes on those attendance figures will build because people will see that it is a safe environment,” Mr McGowan said.
- The premier said the government would continue to monitor school attendance. “At the end of week three, we’ll be able to make a further decision on any changes to the arrangements but at this point in time it’s parental choice on sending your kids to school.”
- Mr McGowan said 212 passengers previously aboard a flight from South Africa, which arrived at Perth Airport yesterday, have been transferred to Rottnest Island for quarantining.
- The premier said another flight from India carrying over 100 people was due to arrive in Perth tomorrow. He said the government was unsure of any Western Australians on board.
- There are 589 people currently self-isolating in Perth hotels.
- Thirteen COVID-19 patients are in metropolitan hospitals, of which three are in intensive care.
- More than 35,000 Western Australians have so far tested negative for the virus.
- The state government will establish four more collection centres to test for COVID-19. They will be located at Osborne Park, Busselton, South Bunbury and Myaree. Clinipath Pathology will run the test sites as drive-through clinics so people do not need to leave their vehicle.
- Selected TAB outlets will open for cash purposes only starting tomorrow. Up to four customers only will be able to access an agency at any one time to withdraw and deposit cash, with no racing and wagering content displayed.
- Campgrounds within national parks, reserves and state forests will be open for camping starting tomorrow. The intrastate travel restrictions still remain in place, meaning people will only be able to visit and camp within their regional boundaries. The change applies to most of the 268 campgrounds managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and includes camping in huts along the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail.
- Three-time championship-winning guard Bryce Cotton has exercised his right under the NBL and the Australian Basketball Players’ Association’s collective bargaining agreement to opt out of his contract with the Perth Wildcats. The agreement saw players taking pay cuts of up to 50 per cent for the 2020/21 season, but allowed them until 4 May to opt out of their existing contracts.
